Hidden Issues of the N-Deal

Frankly, I’ve been apprehensive about the nuclear deal actually coming through since it was first signed in July. There is unprecedented opposition to the deal from every quarter of either side. The governments’ refusal to divulge any clear information and a general lack of transparency calls for concern and introspection.

Following the signing of the 123 agreement, India must refrain from any premature celebrations as there is still some tough unfinished business. Any such deal must be approved by the appropriate House and Senate committees before making it to the floor of the Congress for a final vote. I see these as huge road-blocks in the passage of this bill.

Despite several denials, I wonder why and how the US seems to have given-in to every other demand (or rather request) made by the Indian side. Given, there are enormous economic opportunities for America but I still wonder what has prompted the Bush administration to go to the extent of rewriting the law and provide nuclear fuel with a bag of other concessions. Isn’t it very uncharacteristic of America?

The Iran factor comes into prominence and stands in between India and the first installment of nuclear fuel. Traditionally, we’ve shared friendly ties with this Islamic Republic. In recent times with the dream Iran-India pipeline project coming close to being a reality the relationship is at its peak. On the contrary, America’s animosity towards Iran is increasing exponentially by the day. With the Iraqi issue now being stale, Iran is the most-discussed item in the power corridors of Washington for the country is weary of Iran’s own nuclear ambitions and the threat it poses to the stability of the middle-east.

I have personally seen members of the senate committees’ grilling Condy Rice and her colleagues on the Indo-Iranian interests during one of the public hearings. Poor Rice’s answers were anything but convincing. Earlier this year, key ranking members of the congressional committees’ wrote letters to the Indian government warning them of the growing ties with Iran. This act was scoffed at by the NDA/Left parties and the government did nothing concrete to truly allay American fears. Add to this the role of the American media who don’t seem to waste a chance to take a swipe at the Bush administration for doling out such goodies to a nation in close contact with a bitter rival.

Clearly, nations have interests – the pipeline is of paramount interest to India and the same is detrimental to the American interests in nuclear energy. The differences arising out of the Iranian connection is going to be hard to overcome and Bush’s term is running out too.

India calls the deal ‘historic,’ America calls it ‘natural,’ NDA/Left call it ‘threat to Indian sovereignty and indigenous research’ and I call it ‘murky’ and the task ahead Herculean.