08-26-2008, 05:22 AM
NSG debacle
This refers to the article âLooking beyond the NSG debacleâ (Aug. 25). I agree what happened in Vienna â where the U.S.-prepared draft seeking a waiver of NSG guidelines to India could not get clearance â was an attack in which smaller states were encouraged by the U.S. to do its bidding. The U.S. was not really keen on pushing for a clean and unconditional waiver for India. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh must call it a day and prove wrong the U.S. calculation that he will go to any extent to operationalise the Indo-U.S. civilian nuclear deal.
Lokesh Jangid,
New Delhi<b>
The NSG wants, among other things, some of the clauses of the Hyde Act to be incorporated in the waiver agreement with India. This, despite the assurances given by the UPA government that the Hyde Act is an internal legislation of the U.S. and will not bind India in any way. What we see today is the classic âboiled frogâ strategy (a frog dropped in very hot water will jump out of it. But if it is placed in cold water which is heated slowly, it will stay in for so long that by the time it discovers that the water is too hot, it is too late) being adopted by the U.S. to push the deal through.
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Donât introduce controversial amendments and clauses at one go for India will not accept them. Instead, bring them in stage by stage, so that it does not feel more than vaguely uncomfortable.
R.P. Subramanian,
New Delhi
I have been a staunch supporter of the nuclear deal as I believe it would allow India to improve its energy options. However, the NSG debacle has convinced me that Dr. Singh should walk away from the deal if India is asked to submit to the unfair restrictions being demanded by the NSG. Agreeing to such a humiliating and restrictive deal would undermine Indiaâs long-term strategic options and nullify the benefits.
Jit Dutta,
California<b>
The U.S. is obviously trying to go on a fishing spree without getting wet. The agreement signed between India and the U.S. is very clear and Washington cannot go back on its commitments without losing face.</b> And hence it is employing a group of insignificant nations to raise objections to the waiver agreement.
Y. Parameswaran Menon,
Thrissur
It was all along known that the NSG was a tough nut to crack. Whether the U.S. underestimated the NSG or Dr. Singh overestimated the U.S.â capability to get the waiver through is a moot point now.
Having taken the great plunge, getting disowned by one of its coalition partners and taking on board a party whose sincerity of purpose is questionable, the Congress has nothing but Hobsonâs choice. Dr. Singh is certainly not in a very enviable position.
K.R.A. Narasiah,
Chennai
In the circumstances, it is better to withdraw than compromise bit by bit in the name of negotiation. The Prime Minister should appeal to the Indian youth to come forward and make the country energy sufficient.
Immediate planning and fund allocation should be done to develop indigenous technologies.
Mahidhar Pant,
Jaipur
This refers to the article âLooking beyond the NSG debacleâ (Aug. 25). I agree what happened in Vienna â where the U.S.-prepared draft seeking a waiver of NSG guidelines to India could not get clearance â was an attack in which smaller states were encouraged by the U.S. to do its bidding. The U.S. was not really keen on pushing for a clean and unconditional waiver for India. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh must call it a day and prove wrong the U.S. calculation that he will go to any extent to operationalise the Indo-U.S. civilian nuclear deal.
Lokesh Jangid,
New Delhi<b>
The NSG wants, among other things, some of the clauses of the Hyde Act to be incorporated in the waiver agreement with India. This, despite the assurances given by the UPA government that the Hyde Act is an internal legislation of the U.S. and will not bind India in any way. What we see today is the classic âboiled frogâ strategy (a frog dropped in very hot water will jump out of it. But if it is placed in cold water which is heated slowly, it will stay in for so long that by the time it discovers that the water is too hot, it is too late) being adopted by the U.S. to push the deal through.
</b>
Donât introduce controversial amendments and clauses at one go for India will not accept them. Instead, bring them in stage by stage, so that it does not feel more than vaguely uncomfortable.
R.P. Subramanian,
New Delhi
I have been a staunch supporter of the nuclear deal as I believe it would allow India to improve its energy options. However, the NSG debacle has convinced me that Dr. Singh should walk away from the deal if India is asked to submit to the unfair restrictions being demanded by the NSG. Agreeing to such a humiliating and restrictive deal would undermine Indiaâs long-term strategic options and nullify the benefits.
Jit Dutta,
California<b>
The U.S. is obviously trying to go on a fishing spree without getting wet. The agreement signed between India and the U.S. is very clear and Washington cannot go back on its commitments without losing face.</b> And hence it is employing a group of insignificant nations to raise objections to the waiver agreement.
Y. Parameswaran Menon,
Thrissur
It was all along known that the NSG was a tough nut to crack. Whether the U.S. underestimated the NSG or Dr. Singh overestimated the U.S.â capability to get the waiver through is a moot point now.
Having taken the great plunge, getting disowned by one of its coalition partners and taking on board a party whose sincerity of purpose is questionable, the Congress has nothing but Hobsonâs choice. Dr. Singh is certainly not in a very enviable position.
K.R.A. Narasiah,
Chennai
In the circumstances, it is better to withdraw than compromise bit by bit in the name of negotiation. The Prime Minister should appeal to the Indian youth to come forward and make the country energy sufficient.
Immediate planning and fund allocation should be done to develop indigenous technologies.
Mahidhar Pant,
Jaipur