Date:25/07/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/07/25/stories/2005072500040800.htm

Back Nuclear concerns

The apprehensions in the nuclear energy establishment over Dr Manmohan Singh's decision to subject domestic nuclear facilities to IAEA inspection norms, are justified. For if we allow IAEA safeguards and inspections at civilian plants, our nuclear energy programme will be seriously hindered.

Against this backdrop, it is indeed surprising how the Indian government conceded such a bargain.

It seems that our diplomatic heads are in a great hurry to open up our facilities to international scrutiny and, in the process, jeopardise India's nuclear energy development programmes. In signing the `New Defence Framework Agreement' in haste, India has committed a strategic blunder.

K.N. Raj Kumar

Coimbatore

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