Indo US Relations: Nuclear Deal and its Implications on Pakistan

Introduction
American and Indian relations have considerably improved over the last decade. American strategy to woo India and bring it under their sphere of influence is part of their strategy of pivot towards Asia. This is why the US has granted India several concessions to please the political leaders of India. The most important concession extended to India is the 123 Agreement. It allows India to engage in commercial transactions with companies to acquire nuclear fuel for civilian purpose. This is outright discrimination as India has not signed the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and members of NPT are strictly forbidden to trade nuclear fuel with non-members of NPT. This exception was only made for India and has not been made for other members whom have not signed the NPT. This deal will have serious implications for Pakistan as it allows India to transfer all the fuels coming out of its nuclear reactors to military purpose and they can import nuclear fuel from abroad for their civilian needs.

Due to Asia’s booming economy and abundance of rich natural resources, the new American strategic policy is its pivot back towards Asia. For the last decade, US was involved in two wars in Middle East. But now as those wars wind up, the US wants to shift priorities back towards Asia to try and tame its future rival China. As the Chinese make massive improvements in their economy and the military, the US is afraid that China in 20 years will pose a very serious threat to US dominance in Asia. To counter the Chinese threat, the US is supporting India to serve as a counterweight to tame China. This is why the US has extended this deal to India which will allow India to increase her nuclear arsenal and improve her energy production capabilities benefitting her economy.

Implications
• Sets a bad precedent as it discriminates against non-members of NPT

• Policy of preferential treatment

• Allows India to stockpile more uranium for military purpose

• Affects the stability of South Asia

• Changes the strategic deterrence equilibrium between India and Pakistan

Recommendations
Pakistan needs to become more vocal about this issue on an international level. Friendly nations should be contacted and urged to either oppose this deal or grant Pakistan and other Non-Members of NPT the same privilege granted to India. Pakistan’s point of view should be explained to the media so public awareness could be created about this issue. Pakistan needs to make it clear to the US that discrimination against other non-members of NPT would not be tolerated by Pakistan and Pakistan would take alternative steps if a similar deal is not offered to Pakistan.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the 123 Agreement is a discriminatory agreement that the US has provided to India in hopes of using her as a counterweight against China. This deal will destabilize the equilibrium of the subcontinent, as it will allow India to build a bigger nuclear arsenal. Pakistan needs to oppose this deal and needs to raise its voice in the international community condemning this deal.