Nuke deal: Be cautious with the US

Surfers disapprove of United States' 'condition-imposing syndrome'.

We carried an article which had a US expert on Indo-US relations stating that India's atomic research fraternity was being cagey over the India-US nuke deal.

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He was reacting to the comments made by Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar's contention that New Delhi was not ready to place its fast breeder reactor programme in the civilian list as it would impinge on its strategic programme.

As it seems most of our surfers weren't dying to woo the US on the said topic. They seem to suggest: don't get swept away by euphoria, keep your interests at heart. None of them wanted to believe the US at face value and added that India must consult her atomic scientists' fraternity before inking any deal.

Atul Saxena from Tarrytown, USA had this to say.

"This decision should not be taken in haste. Haste makes waste. Our citizens are wise enough to know what should be put under IAEA supervision. It is better for our Government, to meet all top nuclear scientists and take their opinion. This decision should not be taken from heart."

He added that Hindustan Times could play host to any Government-scientists convention that should comprise software giants as well as nuclear scientists.

Rajive Acharya, Helsinki, Finland too took a nationalist line of thinking. He felt all this talk of "US helping India..." was nonsense. US views India as a force to reckon with in the near future, that's it.

"It's really disturbing to know that Indian media and politicians are playing into the hands of the US. I fail to understand this 'US helping India....' line of thought.

The fact is, whether US helps or not, Indian economy is set to grow, which is the greatest factor that is of interest and attraction, which will continue for another few years.

This tamasha of US helping is a big farce. They are trying to use India for thwarting China in the short term and India in the long term."

Cirus had a rather stern message for the US and urged Indians to be more cautious.

He said, "We don't need your deal. No one can rely on you because of your condition-imposing syndrome and changing conditions. You double speak and we can't compromise on our security concerns."

PTK from Coimbatore in fact took a rather radical stand. He called to fresh polls to install a new government which didn't compromise on India's security concerns.

He said, "It is high time that the people of India ask for emergency re-election if the Government is so haphazard in dealing with sensitive issues like this."

Looks like Bush's forthcoming India trip is set for rough weather!