BJP, Left fume as N-deal passed | Business potential

NUCLEAR POLITICS: The Opposition is fuming that the nuclear deal has sailed through.

      

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New Delhi: The 100-member US Senate early Thursday morning approved the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal after a two-and-a-half-hour debate, paving the way for the much-touted and widely debated strategic pact to finally be signed by the two countries.

An overwhelming 86 Senators voted for the deal, while 13 opposed it.

The deal opens door to nuclear commerce with the US. India can begin negotiations with American nuclear power companies on setting up power plants. It can import uranium for 14 safeguarded nuclear reactors.

The deal also opens doors to high-technology trade in space, defence, medical and agricultural sectors.

Congress Spokesperson Manish Tiwari said, "It's a red letter day for India. This is a not the triumph of quiet man but triumph of his vision. The nuclear deal will be a big issue in upcoming election. It will be one of the big things that Congress will take to the people. The PM had made a decision to focus on energy from the very first day for India's future. He has dismantled a regime which came in 1974 to lock India down."

Science and Technology Minister, Kapil Sibal said, "The deal will silence the Prime Minister's critics not only outside the party, but also within the party. There are many misgivings which will be done away with now."

Meanwhile, US-India Business Council Chief, Ron Somers congratulated India saying, "This is the end of nuclear isolation for India and the denial of technology to the country. It is a new era in India's role. Now the ball is back in the Indian court. We would like to see Indian companies working together with US companies. It's an extraordinary opportunity for Indian companies, especially power companies to produce as much as 60,000 MW over next 30 years helping India to achieve energy independence."

"The fact that US senate had only two goals - one to pass the bailout package and second to pass the nuclear deal - shows that US considers India as a key partner," he added.

However, not everyone was as charitable. The Opposition was clearly fuming with BJP Spokesperson, Rajiv Pratap Rudy saying, "The nuke deal may be a win for the UPA, but for India it is a big loss. India has sold its soveriegnity to the USA."

"The Government has walked into a trap knowingly and can't get out of it. We have acceeded to the nuclear non-proliferation regime with the Indo-US Nuclear Deal.The deal has been done at the cost of the country's sovereignty and nuclear independence. It's a time to worry but the Congress bosses are going to tom-tom on their sense of pseudo achievement," he added.

The CPI-M too was up in arms.

CPI-M National Secretary, D Raja told CNN-IBN that his party will be organising a nationwide protest on October 4 when US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice visits India.

"We are opposed to the nuclear deal. The US is looking for a market to bail itself out of the financial crisis and the UPA Government is equally desperate to show that they have achieved something. On October 4, there will be a protest in Delhi and all other states. We want to say that the deal should not be operationalised as it is not in the interest of the country," he stated.

He said that the US was desperate to conclude the deal early because they are looking at India as a big market.

"It will have serious repurcussions on our nuclear independence as well as our nuclear development programmes," he added.

India's Concerns

India continues to have concerns arising from the Bill that has been passed in the US Senate, concerns which diplomats expect US President George Bush will address in his final signing statement.

They relate to the demands that US will work with other NSG countries to terminate supplies to India if it tests that a safeguard fuel reserve should commensurate with reasonable reactor requirements.

Also, all US laws - including the Hyde Act act and the Atomic Energy Act - override the bilateral 123 Agreeement.

Meanwhile, President Bush has welcomed the Senate's approval saying it would strengthen global efforts to halt the spread of atomic weapons.

In a statement, Bush said: "This legislation will strengthen our global nuclear nonproliferation efforts, protect the environment, create jobs, and assist India in meeting its growing energy needs in a responsible manner. I look forward to signing this Bill into law and continuing to strengthen the US-India strategic partnership."

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