Saturday, October 4, 2008

US and India Nuke Deal

The nuclear deal between the United States and India raises major questions about the spread of nuclear weapons as well as illustrating India's new importance as a strategic American partner.

The deal was finally agreed by the US Senate on Wednesday, having previously been given approval by the UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Under it, India is now able to receive supplies and technology for its growing nuclear power industry, ending a boycott imposed by nuclear supplier states (through the Nuclear Suppliers' Group) because it has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

India can keep and develop its nuclear weapons programme, but has to open up certain of its nuclear power plants to IAEA inspection. - bbc

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has arrived in India for talks on a civil nuclear co-operation deal.



The US Senate approved the deal on Wednesday, ending a three-decade ban on nuclear trade with Delhi... India says the deal is vital to meet civilian energy demands, but critics say it undermines efforts to control the spread of nuclear weapons. - bbc

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