Home | Business News | Browse by Publication | F | Foreign Policy in Focus

The U.S., India and the elusive 123 deal.

Article Excerpt
The United States and India are turning a new chapter in world history as they seek to close a deal on civil nuclear cooperation and nonproliferation. Referred to as the "123" agreement, negotiations have been in the works since 2005. While there have been some roadblocks put up on the deal from members of India's parliament in recent weeks, both parties hope to have a final agreement approved by the end of the year.

The agreement claims to enhance cooperation between the United States and India for generation of peaceful nuclear energy. But in reality it allows India to reprocess U.S. supplied nuclear fuel and proceed with its nuclear weapons program. If passed in its current form, the agreement will act as a catalyst for pumping nuclear fuel and technology into a region perceived by some U.S. leaders as a "nuclear tinder box". The deal disregards India's 1974 and 1998 nuclear tests and it's unwillingness to join the 1968 Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT). Furthermore, the 123 agreement could have wider repercussions for U.S. efforts to contain other nations seeking nuclear power such as Iran and North Korea. Increased cooperation between the U.S. and India would be a welcome development for these two nations who have often been at odds with one another. But the deal that is on the table is too dangerous for the region and the world for it to go forward.

A New Strategic Partnership

The 123 deal is reflective of the steadily increasing confidence the United States and India are now reposing in each other. As the geopolitical winds shift,...

View this article FREE - Now for a Limited Time, try Goliath Business News
Free for 3 Days!