Friends,

As a former Prime Minister, I am deeply disturbed and pained over the manner in which the entire nation today stands divided on the issue of the Indo-US nuclear deal. Perhaps, no other issue in post-Independent India has divided the country’s polity in such a manner. Not only the Government and the opposition, there are even sharp differences within the Government, so much so that the coalition appeared to be on the verge of collapse a few days back. The opposition, too, is no exception with serious differences within different political parties and alliances on the issue.

We, in India, have had a decades-old convention and tradition of a consensual or unanimous approach on foreign policy issues. But in the 60th year of Independence, what we witness today is an unprecedented unilateralism, that does not make proud either our democracy nor our international image. It is an all pervasive unilateralism, whether it is on the part of the Government, its allies or even the opposition. Each and every party appears to be nurturing its own constituency rather than thinking about the country at large. While some want to project it as a great achievement, others as a great betrayal. Now, it certainly cannot be both. The truth apparently lies somewhere in the middle.

All the parties appear to be confused over what exactly this nuclear deal is all about and what the opposition to it is all about. We are seeing conflicting statements from different leaders belonging to same political parties. Experts, scientists and even media are divided with some fanatically supporting it and others vehemently denouncing it.

The question is whether can we afford to score brownie points on an issue of such vital importance involving the nation’s identity, independence and sovereignty. Like the five blind men of Hindustan, we appear to groping for truth, without recognizing that we are riding the elephant. We all seem to be engrossed in trivia and superficialities without bothering to address the larger questions.

In my humble opinion, the issue of whether we would be able to carry out nuclear tests is more emotional. The nuke tests conducted by Pakistan in response to our tests and the subsequent conflict in Kargil have shown how effective such tests are? The nation is looking for some answers to questions such as how much of nuclear energy do we require and is it safe and affordable? The Chernobyl disaster is before all of us. Are not there cheaper alternatives including non-conventional energy resources, which can be tapped to the hilt at a fraction of the cost and can take care of our energy security needs? What about developing alternative fuel? What has happened to our efforts to develop Fast Breeder Reactors? Can’t we do something indigenously using our vast Thorium reserves? Why the Americans are keen to provide us with reactors and not reprocessing technology? If we proceed with the agreement, how will it facilitate our getting access to other nuclear technologies and critical components?

Can the much talked about Hyde Act supersede international agreements?. Will going ahead with the Agreement lead to lifting of all embargoes for full civil nuclear cooperation? Will the growing proximity with the US and Israel impede our traditionally strong relationship with the Islamic countries? With an unstable Pakistan and an unreliable China around, is Washington trying to establish a strong foothold in South Asia through India? Have we conceded to the provision of the discriminatory Non-Proliferation Treaty, albeit through the back door? We keep hearing about the US discretion to pull out if India violates any conditions? Don’t we have similar discretions?

Having emerged as a major economic player in the world, has this agreement become so important that political parties harden their position to the extent of even sacrificing Government? Is there more to the deal than meets the eye? Is there any ‘deal’ behind the Deal? How do we stand to lose if there is no deal? And How do the Americans stand to lose? Is it win-win only for India or also the US? Will India end up as a subject state of the United States?

The UPA and its Left allies are behaving as if only they have to decide on an issue concerning the future of a nation, which has also elected to Parliament several members like us to safeguard the interests of the nation. The nuclear deal is no more an ego issue between the ruling allies. It is a matter concerning the entire nation and must be treated as such. The Government should take the entire Parliament into confidence on the issue. I would go beyond the demand for setting up a Joint Parliamentary Committee. The Parliament should set up a national committee with representatives from different political parties, the scientific community, foreign affairs experts, strategists, academia, defence forces, energy sector, media, eminent citizens and other stakeholders, who would seek answers to the aforesaid questions and other issues pertaining to our energy security and sovereignty. Any decision on such an important issue should not be taken by a minority Government leaning on outside support. Any decision on the nuclear deal should be within the parameters of the recommendations of the National Committee.

If there is no consensus even after that, let the people of India decide. Let there be the nation’s first ever referendum on this issue. India’s independence and sovereignty cannot be left at the mercy of the whims and fancies of fragile coalitions and confused opposition. The people must have their say.

Thank You and Jai Hind.