Trade and National Security
President Bush signed the Henry Hyde US-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Act, culminating a long uphill climb for the two largest democracies in the world. Relations hit a new low in 1998 when India and Pakistan set off nuclear devices, subjecting each to mandated Glenn Amendment sanctions by the US.
The sanctions were no surprise; but the detonations made clear that the threat of them had not been effective. All parties immediately set to work to find ways to end the sanctions; progress was slow until 9/11 made clear the need for improved relations and cooperation on anti-terrorism.
Even with the new US law much remains to be done. India and the US must negotiate an agreement (to be ratified by the US Congress) that will details future nuclear trade and cooperation. Then, India and the International Atomic Energy Agency must agree on international conditions and safeguards. And that agreement must come before the final step -- the 45 nation Nuclear Suppliers Group must change its rules to allow nuclear cooperation with India.
The road has been long and difficult and will continue to be. But in enacting the law, President Bush and the Congress have shown the recognition -- and have made it clear to other nations -- that nuclear issues are not amenable to an "one solution fits all" approach. The US has not extended the same kind of deal to Pakistan, which was previously involved in proliferation. The US is working very hard to get international cooperation and pressure exerted on Iran and on North Korea to avoid their becoming true nuclear powers. Both efforts are frustrating, but must continue, even as we work with India and the international community to institutionalize nuclear cooperation and to prevent proliferation.
The sanctions were no surprise; but the detonations made clear that the threat of them had not been effective. All parties immediately set to work to find ways to end the sanctions; progress was slow until 9/11 made clear the need for improved relations and cooperation on anti-terrorism.
Even with the new US law much remains to be done. India and the US must negotiate an agreement (to be ratified by the US Congress) that will details future nuclear trade and cooperation. Then, India and the International Atomic Energy Agency must agree on international conditions and safeguards. And that agreement must come before the final step -- the 45 nation Nuclear Suppliers Group must change its rules to allow nuclear cooperation with India.
The road has been long and difficult and will continue to be. But in enacting the law, President Bush and the Congress have shown the recognition -- and have made it clear to other nations -- that nuclear issues are not amenable to an "one solution fits all" approach. The US has not extended the same kind of deal to Pakistan, which was previously involved in proliferation. The US is working very hard to get international cooperation and pressure exerted on Iran and on North Korea to avoid their becoming true nuclear powers. Both efforts are frustrating, but must continue, even as we work with India and the international community to institutionalize nuclear cooperation and to prevent proliferation.
posted by Jack Rafuse at
12:37 PM
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