New Delhi
26 February 2006
As New Delhi and Washington attempt to execute what has been set
out in the July 18 Joint Statement, the co-chair of India-United States Science and
Technology Forum Norman P Neureiter has iterated some of the concerns about the
proposed civilian nuclear energy cooperation and the precedent this will set for non-
proliferation efforts.
Describing the talks on nuclear deal as a "complicated issue", Neureiter has said there
were concerns among some sections that it could encourage countries like Iran and have
a "negative impact" on non-proliferation efforts. He, however, emphasised that there
were no concerns with regard to India misusing the agreement to become the proliferator
of nuclear weapons.
"The real issue is -- does it (the nuclear deal with India) have a negative impact on global
efforts to stamp down proliferation. Some people in the US feel it does, others feel it will
be strengthened if India comes in the fold," Neureiter told PTI. "It is a complicated issue.
Let us see what happens," the director of the Centre for Science, Technology and
Security Policy in the US said.
"I think the issue is whether an exception to India gives encouragement to Iran and to
other countries .... Certainly, if there is exception to India, Pakistan will say they should
have the same thing," he said and wondered whether the US could have "closer
relations with India without compromising the global efforts to stop proliferation".
Noting that he was not taking any view, the American scientist said there were different
views as to whether "it will do irreparable damage to the NPT or will in the long term
strengthen NPT."
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