N-deal may compromise interest, scrap it: VP

VP Singh said that the deal seemed to be forcing India to put its fast breeder reactor programme on the civilian side.

Former prime minister VP Singh has urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to scrap the Indo-US nuke deal as it appeared to be leading to compromise on the country's security interest.

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VP Singh said that the "entire effort" of the US seemed to be to "force" India to put its fast breeder reactor programme on the civilian side.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Singh said that the "strategic interest" of the country lies in the government respecting the concerns of nuclear scientists and in keeping the fast breeder reactors away from the purview of the Indo-US nuclear deal.

"On the substantive issue of separation, recent events that have unfolded belie the hope of the freedom to develop an independent nuclear programme," the former PM said.

"The entire effort of the US seems to be to force India to put its fast breeder reactor development programme in the civilian area," Singh wrote, while noting Washington's "demands" and "threats" that that deal would be called off if India did not vote against Iran.

VP Singh, who recalled his earlier support to the Indo-US nuclear deal, emphasised the need to consult senior Indian scientists and engineers with nuclear expertise on the subject.