India should go ahead with N-deal: Kalam

IT'S A DEAL: For the first time the former president has spoken out in favour of the nuclear deal.

Other stories in the section:

BJP at odds with Kalam over Indo-US nuclear deal

Kalam is under attack by the party which declared India a nuclear weapons state.

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• Left out, UPA searches for votes in Lok Sabha

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• BJP at odds with Kalam over Indo-US nuclear deal
• TN women cops use third degree to solve wedding woes
• Left out, UPA searches for votes in Lok Sabha

Keywords: APJ Abdul Kalam, Indo-US nuclear deal

Question: In today's world would it be a good idea to conduct nuclear tests? Or has the dynamics of geopolitics changed?

APJ Abdul Kalam: We do not have to keep on reproving ourselves in view of new technology demands.

Question: Should the Government go ahead with the civilian nuclear deal with the US? Do you share the view that it compromises India's sovereignty?

APJ Abdul Kalam: We should go ahead with the civilian nuclear deal. It does not compromise India's sovereignty. We can at anytime withdraw, if any national security need arises in future.

Question: You are widely regarded as the central figure in India's drive to join the small club of nuclear-armed nations. Where do you see India in another 10 years?

APJ Abdul Kalam: We will see India as a developed nation. The people below poverty line will become near zero. The literacy level could go beyond 90 per cent. There will be employment opportunity for all both in the urban and rural areas.

We will have a number of operational PURAs (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) in various parts of the country. A number of students from abroad will come for studies and work in India. Our youth will have world-class skills and higher education.

Question: You have never hidden your passion for a powerful India. Can you count the 1998 tests as one of the most memorable moments in your career?

APJ Abdul Kalam: First memorable moment was the SLV3 launch in 1980 putting the Rohini Satellite in orbit using an indigenous rocket system. Second memorable moment was the Agni missile launch in 1989 reaching the target.

Third memorable moment was acceptance of India Vision 2020 by the government. Fourth memorable moment was India in 1998 becoming a Nuclear Weapon State.