SSB GD Topic: INDO – US NUCLEAR DEAL - Part 1

Critical analysis of the deal

Let’s discuss some of the topics that can be the part of GD or lecturette series at SSB. One of the topic as suggested is the nuclear deal. Nuclear deal between India and United States of America is one of the most awaited deals between the two countries, process for which started in July 18, 2005 in Washington, when Prime Minister Dr. Man Mohan Singh visited USA to held talks with the then US president George. W. Bush. This deal between India and the US was finalized and operational, by signing of the “123 agreement” between the two countries on Friday October 10, 2008.

According to Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, the agreement paves the way for the American Companies in to the Indian Nuclear Market after almost 30 years. He said it is a common endeavor between the two countries to promote sustainable development while addressing environmental challenges.

The deal enhances the co – operation between the two countries in the energy sector and the Space technology. The deal is expected to help India in achieving its target of nuclear power generation from 4,000 Mega Watts to 20,000 Mega Watts by the next 2 decades. Under this deal India will place 14 out of its 22 thermal nuclear reactors under international safeguard by the year 2014.Indian government have been moving forward with this deal keeping in view:

1. The projected energy requirements.

2. The cost and environmental limitations of conventional energy options based on Oil, gas, coal and hydro power.

3. Limited sources of natural Uranium in India and the large amount of time that would be required to develop the Thorium based technology.

4. Restrictions on supply of nuclear materials by the NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group).

5. Highly problematic supply of heavy water from Russia, which is currently, required in most of the nuclear power plants in India.

TERMS OF THE DEAL:

What India had promised?

1. India allows the inspectors from the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Association), the United Nation’s nuclear Watch Dog group, access to its civilian nuclear program.

2. India has promised that all future Civilian thermal and reactors shall be placed under IAEA’s safeguards permanently. However, the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had said that “New Delhi retains the sole right to determine such reactors as civilian”. According to him: “This means that India will not be constrained in any way in building future nuclear facilities, whether civilian or military, as per our national requirements.”

3. India commits to signing an additional protocol which will allow more Intrusive inspection of its civilian facilities by IAEA.

4. India works towards negotiating a FISSILE MATERIAL CUTT OFF TREATY (FMCT) with the US banning the production of fissile material for weapon purposes.

5.. US companies will be allowed to build nuclear reactors in India and provide nuclear fuel for its civilian energy program.

What India would get in return?

1. India would be eligible to buy US dual use nuclear technology, including materials and equipment that could be used to enrich uranium and reprocess plutonium, creating the material for nuclear bombs.

2. India would also receive imported fuel for its nuclear reactors.

3. India has now got the de facto recognition as a nuclear power state.

In this part I have focused mainly on the details of the deal which was collected through various resources and was accumulated so that the aspirants can get information on the single page. In the next part i would present the reaction of both the countries and whether its a win win situation for us or not. Keep reading!!

About the author: Sunil Sahu is an electronics and telecommunication engineer and a die heart defense aspirant. He loves cooking and has a vast knowledge about cars and their latest developments. Through this article he wants to help defense aspirants by presenting his critical views on the topic, on the forum so that collective exchange of thoughts can take place.