JNUSU-SIS pamphlet for Public Meeting dated 9th Aug '07

Date: 09/08/07

Friends,

It has been two years since the UPA government signed the Civilian Nuclear Agreement with the US, which has been celebrated in the foreign policy circles as something ‘historic’ in the relations between the countries. But ever since, there have innumerable rounds of negotiations by both the countries. This is precisely due to the shifting of goal posts from the side of US on many crucial points of the agreement, especially in the aftermath of the ratification in the US Congress.

The Henry Hyde Act which is a domestic law of the US that was put in place with regard to this agreement attempting to make the country kowtow the strategic interests of the US. Thus, the agreement cannot be seen in isolation as it also forms an intrinsic part of the Military Framework agreement signed with the US. These attempts by the US to make India its strategic partner also severely compromise the commitment by the UPA government for an independent Foreign Policy. This is best illustrated by the deviations in the foreign policy with India voting twice against Iran in the IAEA. The Hyde Act therefore extends beyond the nuclear realm and tries to coerce India in making her foreign policy congruent to US’ strategic interests. This would also place strong curbs on India’s own strategic programme thereby making her accept the discriminatory Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty. More than that, by joining a US-led unequal world order, it would also relegate India’s traditional commitment to nuclear disarmament.

Overall, the agreement goes beyond the assurances given by the Prime Minister in the Parliament in 2006 and compromises on India’s own self-reliance. The US’ imperialist ambitions have already been achieved in Afghanistan and Iraq and through this agreement, there are serious attempts to get India on board. The Left and the progressive sections of the country have always unitedly struggled against any attempts by successive governments to fall in line with the imperialistic diktats of the US. Hence, it is imperative that we continue to carry forward that legacy. To discuss the details of the nuclear agreement and its wider implications for India’s foreign policy interests, JNUSU-SIS appeals to all students to attend the public meeting tonight at 9.30 pm in large numbers.

Public Meeting

INDO-US NUCLEAR DEAL AND 123 AGREEMENT: IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA AND BEYOND

Prabir Purkayastha, Delhi Science Forum
Siddharth Varadarajan, The Hindu
Seema Mustafa, Asian Age

09/08/07 (Tonight) - 9.30 pm - Periyar Mess

Sd/- P.K.Anand, Tiainla, C.Lalengkima – Councillors, JNUSU-SIS.