It was a great event in the history of India and the U.S., especially from a strategic point of view, when on July 18 2005; the proposed Indo-U.S. Nuclear deal was signed between the Indian Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh and U.S. President George W. Bush. The signing took place during Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh’s visit to the White House.
In December 2006, Bush signed a new bill to allow U.S. nuclear trade with India, beginning a new era of economic and political relations between the two great nations.
After signing the document, President Bush himself admitted that it was an honour to sign the bill. It would strengthen the relationship between the two largest democracies in the world. That relationship between U.S. and India had never been so vital and now with the ratification of the above bill by the U.S. Congress and finally accepting 123 agreements related to it by the two governments last week has paved way to new possibilities at world level.
The entire world is aware of the series of relations, which have been full of difficulties between India and the U.S. since the year 1947 when India achieved her independence. The world also knows the background that has been behind the new developments emerged in relations between them. However, one thing is notable here and that India denied the role of the U.S.-the strongest democracy of the world in the international field or did the U.S. hesitate to accept the significance of India-the largest democracy on the earth in global affairs.
As far as the question of this nuclear deal is concerned, it is possible that many in world would not be able to digest it easily; it is also possible that many would take it in their own way. And, no doubt, both the countries would try to gain maximum through it for their own. However, in my opinion this deal between the two countries fixes greater responsibilities for them both and first among them is that they make it definite that the deal along with enhancing relations between the two countries benefits the international community, and especially making the world a safer place.
For decades, India possesses nuclear capability; its nuclear programme has been in safer hands. In this regard, India has proved to be a responsible country. In addition, I have no doubt that this state will remain intact. But, simultaneous to this, now the time has come when India in collaboration with the U.S. comes ahead to make the world free from fear, to contribute to the progress of each and everyone in the world and to accord peace which is the principal aspect of its way.
