The Hindu Business Line : Waiver and after

The recent waiver granted to India by the NSG has created euphoria in certain sections of the society and a mood of contemplation in certain others. While some people have hailed the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, for championing the deal and have even termed it “historic” comparable to the economic reforms of 1991, few other experts have expressed their reservations.

Whatever the case may be, the waiver definitely marks a watershed in the country’s history. The waiver speaks volumes for the status of India in world affairs. It is another matter if the deal really materialises, but the very fact that India is waived from the obligations that other countries have to fulfil for getting into nuclear commerce speaks for itself the status of India vis-À-vis other nations. There are many reasons for this.

We may today be recognised as an economic world power, but our commitment to non proliferation is impeccable. If the world trusts us for our non-proliferation, our voluntary moratorium on nuclear testing, it is because of our history and the people who made them. It is not only economics that Indian today is recognised for but for its moral and ethical values.

India must really put this new-found ground to good effect. There are many international issues that we can now turn to our advantage. For instance, climate change, Also, it is time the Government takes some harsh steps towards the terrorists.

Coming to the core issue of nuclear deal, many political parties have blamed the UPA for the deal. The BJP, in particular, has been accusing the UPA for sacrificing national sovereignty to the US. These statements are not entirely justified.

The real benefits of the nuclear trade go beyond just nuclear fuel supply. It creates employment, increases power availability, and adds to the expertise and technology know-how for our engineers. More than anything, it helps fight climate change. The trade that accompanies the technology will, no doubt, put India into a higher growth trajectory.

M. S. Sunil e-mail