India- US Civilian Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (123 Agreement)
We have to talk about the politics about the opposition to the agreement. Both the Left Front and the NDA have been vociferously against the agreement for a long time. But let us analyze the agreement and see where the people who oppose it stand.
But before starting this discussion, let us have a look at the text of the 123 Agreement which is the India- US Civilian Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
Check the agreement yourselves at the following links
http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/901 57.pdf
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/aug/9005 0.htm
It is a long agreement, but a careful study of the agreement would give you some insights.I am just taking some excerpts to point out a few things.
"AFFIRMING that cooperation under this Agreement is between two States possessing advanced nuclear technology, both Parties having the same benefits and advantages, both committed to preventing WMD proliferation;"
This is a major step in terms of India's nuclear capabilities. With just this one sentence, the US is affirming that India is a nuclear sate with advanced technology. Well, maybe everybody knows that, but this is a huge since America is formally acknowledging about India's capabilities.
"This Agreement shall be implemented in a manner so as not to hinder or otherwise interfere with any other activities involving the use of nuclear material, non-nuclear material, equipment, components, information or technology and military nuclear facilities produced, acquired or developed by them independent of this Agreement for their own purposes."
This article along proves the bigger point. It is really clear that the agreement has no infringement on the sovereignty of India or its rights to pursue any nuclear defense program. We have seen what the agreement is not about. So what is this agreement all about? Well, it is about the following :
"Development of a strategic reserve of nuclear fuel to guard against any disruption of supply over the lifetime of India's reactors;
Advanced research and development in nuclear sciences including but not limited to biological research, medicine, agriculture and industry, environment and climate change;
Supply between the Parties, whether for use by or for the benefit of the Parties or third countries, of nuclear material, equipment;"
So in effect, the agreement only applies to the peaceful use of nuclear technology. The second excerpt clearly states that military and other aspects are to be done as whatever India wants. Let me explore what this means for India.
A sure supply of nuclear material, technology and equipment for all our energy needs. This is critically important to India's future as an emerging world super power. Trust me, whatever the leaders say, there is a big competition between India and China. India is leading in terms of quality human capital but China is way ahead of us in terms of infrastructure. We need better transportation system and bucketfuls of energy supplies in long term. We are tapping all available sources, but a dwindling global oil supply and steep growth of the Indian economy has led to an imbalance between the supply and demand of energy here.However, in case of China, they have a steady supply of nuclear fuel in a long term. They have a clear path for growth as a big guy out here.
So, when NDA and its allies are against the UPA in terms of the agreement, it can be only because of two reasons. Either
a) They didn't read the agreement or
b) They do not want UPA to bring about this huge success for our country.
So, the opposition parties are ready to sacrifice the country's interest for political reasons. I'm pretty sure that what they wanted was to get the government to fail and maybe get back into power and sign the same agreement and claim credit for it.