The US government is going all out to ensure the nuclear deal with India is sealed and signed by September- end, before president George W Bush demits office.
US dismisses naysayers, says it’s working through the NSG
NEW DELHI: The US government is going all out to ensure the nuclear deal with India is sealed and signed by September- end, before president George W Bush demits office.
Despite stray voices in the establishment, such as lawmaker Howard Berman, a staunch non-proliferation supporter, writing to secretary of state Condoleezza Rice seeking more time to study the agreement, the administration is sure of meeting the September deadline.
“We’re working through the nuclear suppliers group (NSG) to obtain its approval by early September. …We hope at that time to present it — the package — to our Congress. We hope after discussions they will be able to pass that and we will be able to proceed with this very important programme,” agencies quoted acting state department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos as saying on Friday.
A western diplomat in the capital dismissed Berman’s letter as an attempt by the non-proliferation lobby to derail or at least delay the inevitable.
“The US too has its Prakash Karats who want to scuttle the agreement. There will be many more attempts by the non-proliferation lobby, but the Bush administration is as determined to push this through,” the diplomat said. Ever since prime minister Manmohan Singh won the vote of confidence in parliament last month, the US and India have put the deal on fast track. With the IAEA board clearing the safety agreement India signed with the nuclear watchdog, Washington and New Delhi are working together to clear the next major hurdle at the NSG.
Ahead of the crucial meeting, the current point man for the deal in the administration, William Burns, is expected to be in New Delhi on the 18th of this month to finalise strategy with his Indian counterpart.The US has launched a massive diplomatic campaign to ensure the NSG grants India a “clean waiver” to bring it out of isolation and into the mainstream of nuclear commerce. Bush himself has written to all members of the NSG seeking support for exemption to India.
India and the US have agreed on the final text of the waiver that has now been circulated to all 45 members of the NSG. The first meeting of the NSG is scheduled in Vienna on August 21.
Both New Delhi and Washington realise the NSG waiver would not be a cakewalk and much work needs to be done to convince members who regard a waiver to India as a blow to the non-proliferation regime.
g_seema@dnaindia.net
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