The Hindu Business Line : Time to unite

So much time and energy has been spent on the nuclear deal, which should have been an opportunity for our politicians to put behind them their party-based differences with those in power at a time when a landmark deal can be formalised for the country’s benefit.

Any other party or political combines would have been doing the same that the UPA has been forced to do, i.e., focus on saving the government and pushing through the deal.

Not too late, though, for the few “thought leaders” left in Indian politics, in other major parties, to put their energies and intellect behind identifying what in the 123 agreement may not be good for the country and identify ways to counter the same.

If it were a war, like Kargil, would all of us not get together for the country and devote our prayers, thought, time and money towards winning the same, at whatever price? Would we not be saluting our soldiers on their way to the front and wishing them luck?

This occasion is as serious, if not more so. We are fighting a losing battle against the huge shortage of energy and resources; and while there are enthusiasts with the will to generate energy from renewable, non-polluting sources, each potential source has its share of inefficiencies, not to mention lobbies working against it.

Sure, we could develop the nuclear power capability on our own, only if we could afford the 15-20 years that we need to spend working on something that is now available on a platter.

We, unfortunately, do not have the luxury of time. Common sense would guide us to grab the deal and work further on the acquired technology to develop it in the future.

Manish Aggarwal e-mail