Indo-US N-Deal — What's LEFT for debate?

On one hand we are aspiring to become a global economic powerhouse and on the other hand this onward march is being dragged down by political ideals which see no logic and have no rationale. Yes it about the stalled Indo-US nuclear deal.

Without mincing too many words I can say that India’s commerce in civil nuclear energy is a must to ensure that the nation gets its fast growing energy requirements met from various sources.

There are estimates that tell me that the 123 Agreement will open up investment opportunities worth more than $ 40 billion over the next two decades to step up nuclear power generation. Leading US firms are willing to forge joint ventures with Indian firms both in the private and public sector. So why are these so-called well-wishers (read the Left parties) opposing the deal?

I feel that India has nothing to lose by going ahead with the deal. If the US falls short of what India wants, we can always walk away from the deal.

On the other hand, if the US delivers, India stands to gain a whole lot. It's not just a gain in the area of energy, but also in space research, missile technology, computing, high-end materials, generalised industrial R&D outsourcing. And above that I think India’s place among the world’stop powers will be undisputed. India’s admittance to the nuclear club, without even joining the non-proliferation treaty goes to show that the nation will not allow interference by any other country — not the US... not any other country. India today is being recognised as a power to reckon with!

It's a shame that the country's political parties (that too all constituents of the government) are divided on such a vital issue that can change the face of the nation. The government deserves full support on this key agreement from different sectors of society. So, are we all for the deal?