Don’t have nukes, but US on our side: MR Srinivasan

Bengaluru: Political equations have certainly improved between the United States and India over the last decade, but for those like former chairman of Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), Dr M.R. Srinivasan, who worked to end the acrimony between the two countries and foster nuclear cooperation, the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement has proved a “big disappointment” and a much-hyped accord.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle on the eve of the 10th anniversary of signing the agreement, Dr M.R. Srinivasan, who was part of the US-India strategic dialogue, said he was overcome by a “great sense of disappointment” that rapid increase in nuclear capacity addition has not taken place. “The biggest gain has been improved political relationship with the United States, but on the nuclear front what was expected has not happened. As one of the people who welcomed the initiative to find a solution to the Indo-US nuclear deadlock and worked in various ways to bring this about, I had hoped the much delayed induction of nuclear power into India or slow progress could be replaced by a regime of fast-paced induction, but it did not happen,” he said.

“It is a big disappointment as so many of us worked to bring about this agreement. So much so, a sense that it was a futile exercise has set in. I will be very happy if things change in the next year or year and half, but I am not very sure of that happening,” he added.

Ruing the fact that several years were lost after the agreement was signed by President George W Bush and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, he said the country should move on rather than wait further for the US nuclear firms to agree to cost of production and other issues. “Dealing with the United States on nuclear matters in the best of times is extremely difficult and very complex. It is important for India to develop nuclear technology, and move ahead with the options available. We cannot wait indefinitely, we should move on. Otherwise, we could be left behind,” he said adding that the country should maximise the rate of installation of indigenous heavy water reactors and Russian reactors and develop pressurized water reactors. With such initiatives, the country would be able to stake its claim for a place in the elite Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG) rather than await US intervention.

He said the AEC has reviewed the deal and the progress in talks between the heads of state of both nations from time to time, but had nothing much to write home about expect that an agreement has been entered into Westinghouse Electric Company for an early works agreement. This agreement would enable the firm to supply safety related documents for a review by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.

“The sooner the numbers on cost of production is put on table the better because the acceptability of the offer depends mostly on it. It is called the upper bound number, but I will not disclose what has been quoted. If the cost question is resolved to our satisfaction, then the reactors could come. If not, a different scenario will emerge,” he added.

He said the agreement had helped the US to get access to the Indian defence sector and offer military equipment for sale.