What's The Big Deal?-Editorial-Opinion-The Times of India

What's The Big Deal?-Editorial-Opinion-The Times of India:

"The July 18, 2005 understanding included an Indian commitment to maintaining its testing moratorium. If we now change policy, the other party cannot be reasonably expected to maintain its half of the bargain. At the end of the day, the US cannot take any position other than to assert that it has the right to terminate cooperation in such an eventuality. On India’s part, we have been equally vigorous in maintaining our right to test in compelling circumstances. This argument would be decided by sovereign decisions and national interests, not by legalistic wording.

In any case, an outcome in India’s favour at the NSG renders this debate meaningless. It is improbable that India will build a strategic reserve sourced from a country that imposes onerous obligations. Once the NSG passes the deal, other major suppliers, who follow different practices, will not jeopardise their prospects in India. The few countries which want to emphasise their non-proliferation credentials can choose to have their versions of the Hyde Act if they do not want to do business with India. What India now needs is a positive outcome in Vienna, not opportunistic politics at home."