Praful Bidwai

With the House International Relations Committee (HIRC) of the United States House of Representatives gaining overwhelming bipartisan support for a draft bill to allow resumption of civilian nuclear commerce between India and the U.S., the path is clearer for the controversial nuclear deal signed a year ago between President George W. Bush and Prime Minister … Continue reading “Indo-US Nuclear Deal Clears First Hurdle”

As the United States and India held yet another round of intensive talks this week to flesh out the landmark nuclear deal they signed in July, it became clear that they will both explore how far they can push each other for concessions that would ease Congressional approval. Both sides are bargaining hard as they … Continue reading “Testing Times for Indo-US Nuclear Deal”

NEW DELHI – The United States and India have taken yet another step toward finalizing the nuclear cooperation agreement they signed in July last year and more key lawmakers in Washington have expressed support for the deal. The agreement makes a special, one-time exception in the global nuclear nonproliferation regime for India by acknowledging and … Continue reading “India, US Tighten Nuclear Handshake”

NEW DELHI – Iran’s rebuff to a European "package of incentives," including a light-water nuclear power reactor, in return for halting uranium enrichment, marks a serious escalation of tensions with the West. But it does not close the doors to solving the Iran nuclear crisis through diplomacy. Iran’s snub to the EU is noteworthy for … Continue reading “Iran’s Snub Calls for New EU Offer”

TEHRAN – With Russia and China signaling opposition, the draft resolution circulated in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) by Britain, France, and Germany, asking Iran to halt uranium enrichment, is unlikely to enjoy smooth passage. The resolution demands that Iran stop its nuclear research and development activities, as well as the construction of a … Continue reading “Iran Won’t Be Bullied”

TEHRAN – As the deadline set by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to halt uranium enrichment descends upon Iran, the already narrow window of opportunity to resolve the crisis over Tehran’s nuclear program diplomatically may soon slam shut. If the Western powers, led by the United States, adopt a tough posture and demand that … Continue reading “Iran Defiant, but Ready to Deal”

NEW DELHI – As the United States Senate foreign relations committee (SFRC) began hearing on Washington’s controversial nuclear technology and supplies agreement with India, starting with the testimony of secretary of state Condoleezza Rice, the deal appeared to be in deep trouble. A special legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress to implement the deal by … Continue reading “Indo-US Nuclear Deal Takes Flak, No Eject Option”

NEW DELHI – Hot on the heels of its landmark "nuclear cooperation" agreement with the United States, which allows New Delhi to keep its nuclear weapons, the Indian government has entered into a controversial deal with Russia for the supply of nuclear fuel for two civilian power reactors. The deal is expected to be formally … Continue reading “India’s Russia Card Ups Nuclear Stakes”

NEW DELHI – After a toughening of postures by the Western powers, reflected in a vote against Iran a fortnight ago at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Moscow meeting can still work to avoid taking Iran’s nuclear dossier to the United Nations Security Council. The present window of opportunity might slam shut with … Continue reading “Last Chance for Diplomacy?”

NEW DELHI – The chairman of India’s Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) has sent shock waves through the Indian establishment by accusing the United States of “changing the goal post” while finalizing a far-reaching, one-of-its-kind nuclear cooperation deal with India, initialed last July. This appears certain to create major complications for the passage of the agreement … Continue reading “Snags Surface in India-US Nuclear Deal”