Critics’ alarm at nuclear deal

A LANDMARK new US-India nuclear agreement would enable New Delhi to expand atomic weapons production and encourage Pakistan and China to do likewise, critics say.

Nuclear non-proliferation experts, including Daryl Kimball of the Arms Control Association, yesterday expressed concerns about a “separation” plan that would open India’s civil nuclear facilities to UN inspections while permitting military facilities to remain off-limits.

The plan is central to whether the US-India nuclear deal, agreed last July, goes forward. US business leaders say the deal could lead to billions of dollars in non-nuclear and civilian nuclear-related contracts while government officials say the agreement commits India to play a larger role in halting the spread of weapons of mass destruction.