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Deal US President George W. Bush signed the legislation in law on Wednesday which allows the ‘natural partners’ United States and India to resume civilian nuclear trade after the gap of thirty years. It must be learnt that US had imposed ban on civilian nuclear trade with India after the first Pokharan explosion. The deal will become operational by Friday when Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will formally sign it. Earlier Prime Minister Manmohan Singh could not sign the deal during his US visit as it had not been passed by the Senate. It had happened again during Condoleezza Rice’s India visit as Indian leadership wanted the documents to be signed by the US President first. If had happened because India had apprehensions about the latest statements made by the US administration and it had fears that congress approved legislation may have a couple of riders regarding the fuel supplies.

Hurdles PM Manmohan Singh and President Bush had approved the deal in July 2005. But very few had expected that it will become a reality as the leadership of  both of the nations had to face a stiff resistance nationally and internationally. PM Singh could not go ahead with the deal as his UPA alliance was being supported by the Left parties who are known for their anti-US politics. Some parties had objected the Singh government’s move by saying that it will compromise the national interests and India will become a satellite of US. On the other hand this deal was being opposed by US lawmakers and non-proliferation hardliners also.

Indian Concerns With this agreement India has got the recognition as a nuclear state. India has become the single country that has not signed CTBT and is not a member of NSG but has indulged in civilian nuclear trade with other nations. It is because of India’s non-proliferation track record. There are no changes in certain provisions regarding fuel supply commitments as provided in the 123 Agreement. Recently US administration had asserted that uninterrupted fuel supply assurances were only the political commitments and not legally binding. According to PTI Indian Ambassador to US, Ronen Sen, said New Delhi’s concerns on certain provisions of the bill have been addressed.