The Indo-US dialogue on 123 Agreement has been conducted with utmost secrecy, the way one deals with an extremely sensitive subject. One may recall that despite best efforts of the US and its allies India conducted Pokharan-II test in 1998. The US pounced on India with sanctions but, India successfully withstood it. Onward journey of Indo-US relations is dotted with instances of trying to strengthen grip over indigenous three stage nuclear programme.

When Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Bush met in July 18, 2005 in USA, the draft of the agreement was unknown to Manmohan Singh and his team of scientists. It was not possible to grasp the contents in its entirety for many reasons.

First, the conditionalities of Hyde Act 2006 made the document complex. Second, the number of International Acts including 35 Nation IAEA Board, 45 States Nuclear Supply Group and US Congressional approval conditionality. Above all, regular inspections of our nuclear reactors by IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency).

The US has always been desirous of capping India's strategic nuclear weapon capacity, whereas India's threat-perception has been increasing. China had no such limitations and clandestinely made regular nuclear supplies to Pakistan, to make Pakistan a superior nuclear-power than India. The US has specially targeted Cirus research reactor and wanted to close it or open it to international inspections. There are numerous trappings in the 123 document. Whatever little information is available, is due to leak from the Indian Government to certain media persons. That is why the entire nuclear scientific community opposed it and is opposing it.

Not even the BJP is challenging the deal, the Left, too, is not happy with the so called 123 Agreement - because of non-transparency. Even after repeated demands, the requisite documents have not been made public. It is partially known to the UPA Government loyalists in bits and pieces. Even though the Cabinet has given the go ahead the Government isn't revealing the contents of the Agreement. The UPA has to issue a statement on the Agreement in the Parliament on August 10. Till date, it have not taken into confidence the political parties

Verbal assurances, while withholding the document, is a meaningless exercise. It is apprehended that Indo-US 123 Agreement will be forced through the Parliament. There will be opposition and a walk out may give a the UPA what it needs. Prime Minister has already come up with a new theory that economic development is of utmost importance, meaning the security threat to the country is negotiable.

During debates in the media and the Parliament some myths have been created. First, the Congress said that former Prime Minister AB Vajpayee had mentioned in his 1998 speech that no more nuclear tests are required and India will practice voluntary moratorium on nuclear tests. During Pokharan-II days it was the most sensitive subject. A statement containing diplomatic message is one thing but, a legal bindings of an agreement is all together different.

Second, India's demand for energy is increasing, and that the deal would meet the increasing energy demands. The fact is that at the most stipulated import of nuclear reactors for civil energy can meet the demand of 15,000 MW, which would not be even 10 per cent of the country's requirements when energy starts flowing from the reactors. And it is not cost effective. The deal seems to be more propelled by commercial considerations of the US. The nuclear business in the US is estimated at $ 100 billions. Surprisingly the US in its own arena is giving emphasis to coal based energy. In Indian conditions highly under-tapped hydroelectric power generation can play wonders.

The third, the deal will end India's isolation. Whatever may be final revelation of the 123 Agreement, experts believe that it will not lift the blanket of nuclear technology embargo against India. Also, the five nuclear countries will not accept India as an equal and legitimate nuclear power. This is also said that nuclear energy will reduce India's dependence on oil energy. The fact, however, is that it will not cut India's oil imports, for India does not use oil to generate electricity.

Joseph R Biden's statement is candid enough regarding the US' offer. Biden a democrat is on US Senate's Foreign Relation Committee. He praised the deal, for the US has succeeded in limiting the size and sophistication of India's "nuclear programme and nuclear power programme." This seems to be basic objective and concern of the US whatever may be the diplomatic jugglery.

Courtesy: www.dailypioneer.com, July 29, 2007