Font Size 
Mind games: Before NSG meet, CTBT becomes an issue
Published on Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 08:21, Updated on Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 12:41 in Nation section
Tags: Nuclear Suppliers Group, CTBT , Vienna
NSG MEET: India will also not accept conditions on fuel supply linked to testing a nuclear device.
Vienna: Hours before the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) meet in Vienna to discuss the India-specific waiver, there is immense pressure on India to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
“I urge the countries, which have not signed the CTBT, to do so,” says executive secretary, Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organisation, Tibor Toth.
Meanwhile, India has taken its position, insistently and emphatically, that it will not sign the CTBT.
However, the reminder that CTBT was Nehru’s dream, is yet another indication of the pressure that is being brought upon India.
“This treaty was a vision for the first time 54 years ago. And the man who originally proposed it was Nehru, back in 1954,” says Toth.
Nevertheless, India has time and again refused to sign the CTBT because the atomic weapon powers have refused to honour their commitment of not improving or expanding their nuclear arsenals.
Meanwhile, the demand from the CTBT organisation undoubtedly has the backing of NSG members who have strong non-proliferation concerns and don't want to see India get a waiver without making any commitments to their core concerns.
However, India’s stand on the issue seems to be clear. It would refuse signing the CTBT and the NPT. It will also not accept conditions on fuel supply linked to testing a nuclear device.
Meanwhile, India has also warned that it would walk away from the NSG, if unacceptable demands are made.
Support to India
- Apart from Russia, France and the UK, Canada and Japan too have indicated support for the deal.
- Australia says it is prepared to sell uranium to India once the NSG process is completed.
- Austria as well as New Zealand is also likely to allow India to carry out nuclear trade.
- Switzerland says it favours India developing its civilian nuclear energy.
- China has made it clear that it won't oppose the deal.
To read IBNLive stories on mobile, log on to m.ibnlive.com on your mobile browser
| Related Ads: | |
Read Comment | Post Comment
Maybe its a game, USA is playing with India. It needs India to sign CTBT, at the same time it
Read Comment
No matter who says what, including the statement of Mr. Tibor Toth, Executive Secretary of Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization
Read Comment
Read more comment »