Arguing that India has "gone far enough on its own," he said "Now the onus has to be on the US to start delivering. "
For those who missed the chat, here is the transcript:
tthhh asked, do you think the us congress would approve the nuke deal?
Brahma Chellaney answers, The most onerous technology sanctions India has endured for long are not in the nuclear realm but centre on advanced and dual-use technologies. Where export controls against India can be relaxed through executive action, such as on high technology or space, the U.S. has dragged its feet. But where congressional action is needed, it has concluded a nuclear deal, although it is far from certain whether an embattled Bush can expend the political capital to get it through Congress, without the two chambers attaching humiliating, India-specific "good-conduct" or deal-stalling riders. Not only will the upcoming congressional process put the spotlight on India's nuclear deterrent, but New Delhi also will be entering into knotty, follow-up negotiations with the U.S., IAEA and NSG.
nukenow asked, Bramha, do you think India has compromised its strategic interests by signing this deal?
Brahma Chellaney answers, The nuclear deal is being oversold in India. India should seek to get the US-inspired nuclear export controls removed. But at what cost? The Prime Minister's statement on the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal brings out the heavy costs India is paying for a dubious benefit getting the right to import high-priced, uneconomical reactors for generating electricity. The planned shutdown of Cirus confirms that India has agreed to effect a 30% cut in its weapons-grade plutonium production capability. This is on top of the 65% cut that India will have to bear in the present production of reactor-grade plutonium and tritium once a total of 14 Indian power reactors come under IAEA inspections in phases.
indianpatriot asked, Do you think that Washington's motives behind this deal was to 'counterbalance' China?
Brahma Chellaney answers, There have several motivations: revive their decrepit nuclear power industry which hasn't received a reactor order since the 1970s; secure in addition multibillion-dollar arms contracts with India; underpin the US-India strategic partnership; and get a handle on India's nuclear programme. In Mr. Burns' word, it will give America for the first time "a transparent insight into India's nuclear programme."
ramananda asked, Other than access to nuclear tech, do you think India and the US are now really strategic partners? Coz a lot of people sure don't think so...
Brahma Chellaney answers, While it is clear India wants to be America's friend and strategic partner, it is less obvious whether the US wants to be India's friend or merely capitalize on this country's growing geopolitical importance and abundant market opportunities. May the opportunities that the U.S. sees in India will put it firmly on the path of friendship with India.
indianpatriot asked, What would happen if Beijing were to offer a similar deal to pakistan?
Brahma Chellaney answers, Let them. China itself is an importer of power reactors. What sort of technology can it offer Pakistan for generating electricity from the atom? What Beijing can offer reliably is weapons-related technology and missile technology. That it has been doing clandestinely for years, deal or no deal. So, the US-India deal is not going to change Beijing's fundamental policy.
nukenow asked, what impact will this Bush visit have, if any, on the India pakistan peace process?
Brahma Chellaney answers, Not much. The U.S. will keep promoting the Hurriyat for leverage reasons, and keep urging India to make progress on Kashmir. In response, India will keep allowing the Hurriyat "leaders" to visit Pakistan and elsewhere, and step up people-to-people exchanges. Beyond that, the U.S. can do little. In any case, how can peace be achieved if the U.S. is not willing to do more to stop Pakistan-directed terror against India?
Ravi asked, Hi, Just now there is news that there was a blast in Varanasi Temple. Do you think the Muslim extremists (from Pakistan and within India) are going to freshly target India for the closeness displayed by Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh and President Bush
Brahma Chellaney answers, Bush or no, new US-India partnership or no partnership, these extremists and terrorists are going to continue to target India. Let's make no mistake on that.
mahalingam asked, mahalingamto Mr Brahma How can India ensure there is no hidden agenda in this deal. Does US tries to tie indias hands by this
Brahma Chellaney answers, We need to avoid taking any irreversible step until and unless the US side has fulfilled its part of the bargain. India has already gone far enough on its own, despite the July 18 agreement making it clear that India had agreed to its obligations "reciprocally." Yet, India initiated the Separation Plan, got it approved by the U.S., and has announced its controversial decisions today to shut down CIRUS reactor and relocate Apsara reactor. Now the onus has to be on the U.S. to start delivering.
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