World | India
Scientists speak out against US nuclear deal
A group of Indian nuclear scientists voiced concern yesterday that changes suggested by the US House of Representatives to a landmark civilian nuclear deal would hamper India's national defence and hinder its research programme.
- AP
- Published: 00:00 August 15, 2006
Mumbai: A group of Indian nuclear scientists voiced concern yesterday that changes suggested by the US House of Representatives to a landmark civilian nuclear deal would hamper India's national defence and hinder its research programme.
In an open letter to Indian parliamentarians, eight senior scientists including three former chairmen of the Indian Atomic Energy Commission said it was critical that "decisions taken today do not inhibit our future ability to develop and pursue nuclear technologies for the benefit of the nation."
A copy of the letter was made available to The Associated Press.
The scientists described the agreement signed last year by US President George W. Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as historic and said the "basic principles for cooperation were well laid out."
However, they said, the agreement was modified by US lawmakers with the insertion of new clauses last month.
"If the US Congress, in its wisdom, passes the bill in its present form, the 'product' will become unacceptable to India," the scientists said.
US officials have said the "goal posts have not been moved" since the time Bush and Singh signed their pact.
The US House of Representatives last month approved the deal that would allow US agencies and companies to sell India nuclear fuel and technology. In return, India would have to strengthen nuclear safeguards, allow international inspections of its civilian facilities, and separate its civilian and military nuclear programmes.
The US Senate is expected to vote next month on the plan, which reverses years of US policy. The Senate vote will be followed by several other legislative and diplomatic steps before the treaty can be enforced.
It was the first time prominent Indian nuclear scientists have come together and publicly spoken out against the nuclear deal.
Share this article
More from India
More from World
News Editor's choice
-
Kapoor unleashes sales pitch
Indian star says he's proud to be part of film that departs from mainstream
-
Prosecutors vow to protect tourists
Crimes against visitors to be dealt with strictly
-
Algeria takes soccer battle online
Website developers issue cards carrying pictures of celebrities they want blacklisted
