U.S.-India Nuclear Cooperation Deal

The Union of Concerned Scientists opposes the Bush administration's proposal for nuclear cooperation with India. It would grant India the same access to U.S. nuclear power technology and materials as are enjoyed by non-nuclear weapon states that are in full compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) while requiring fewer safeguards. India has nuclear weapons and is not a party to the NPT. Providing it with the benefits normally accorded only to nations that have forsworn nuclear weapons (and accepted full-scope safeguards) would seriously undermine the NPT. Moreover, the proposal would violate the treaty governing the Nuclear Suppliers Group, which prohibits exports of nuclear materials to any country without full-scope safeguards.