[550] Of US – India nuclear cooperation

I saw Manmohan Singh’s address to the US Congress yesterday. In his speech, he asserted how important it is for the US and India to work together in a globalized world. In actuality, he seeks the Congress’ consent for the US cooperation with India on India’s nuclear work for civilian purposes. I for one, hope the Congress won’t block any step taken towards that direction.

Chernobyl was a tragedy. So was Three Mile Island incident. However, with growing human population, it is obvious that we will consume more and more power. Unfortunately, that power has to come from somewhere, be it from fossil fuel, green energy or nuclear.

The Indian Prime Minister mentioned yesterday that in any scenario, coal plays a central role in India energy industry. India is a huge country and their reliance on coal would increase carbon emission tremendously all the while the Annex 1 parties to Kyoto are struggling to reduce emission. With or without China and the United States, India could single-handedly wreck the fight against climate change. Nuclear provides a clear alternative to coal while clean and safe renewable sources, at its current state, are simply not enough to quench India and indeed the world’s thirst for energy,

The US has refused to ratify Kyoto and has stubbornly argued that any reduction in emission would damage its economy. Moreover, Bush and his supporters have said that only technological progress is the answer to climate change. Frankly, I’ve yet to see or hear Bush do something about that but now is the time to back that claim up. Now is time to prove that Bush really belief that instead of simply trying to dodge a commitment that the US made under the Clinton Administration. Congress now needs to approve such cooperation to give Bush’s words a spine.

Some fear that this might encourage nuclear proliferation. This groups need to be reminded that India already has nuclear capability. In fact, in my opinion, the US cooperation with India would make nuclear energy safer.

Perhaps, if others still feel strongly against such cooperation, perhaps US offer assistance on a condition that India will sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which India is not a signatory. With India in the NPT, the world might even be able to persuade Pakistan to sign the treaty. Of course, there will have to be a change in the first pillar of the NPT.

In the end, wouldn’t that make the world a bit safer?

On the other side, a lot of people are saying that this new American relationship with India spurs out of concern of China’s growing power. Well, I prefer to some something to counter China’s regional influence – Japan simply can’t counter China alone.

p/s – Michigan is currently second in the ASC and they are closing in on the leader, Minnesota, fast. MIT and Missouri-Rolla is far behind.