The PM raised the energy argument, stating India did not have the luxury of limiting its energy sources. “Our energy needs will continue to rise in the foreseeable future. We do not have the luxury of limiting our options of energy sources,’’ he said. He added that India wished to create an international environment in which nuclear technology was used not for destructive purposes but for “helping us meet our national development goals and our energy security’’.
Do the Deal!
Decisiveness in politics always has the potential to bring unexpected benefits. More often than not the electorate develops a sneaking admiration for leadership that doesn’t dither all the time on one pretext or the other. Given the sheer urgency today for every nation, without exception, to develop new energy strategies in the context of the ever-rising crude oil prices, it will be worthwhile for the Congress to relook the political risks involved in pushing the nuclear deal through, even at this stage. The Congress-led government still has a window up to September to work out agreements with the IAEA as well as the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) before the US legislators give it the final seal of approval. This window of opportunity must be explored, even at the risk of the Left withdrawing support to the government. The Congress must show political courage and go ahead with the last-mile formalities of the nuclear deal. At this stage, the nuclear deal is well worth sacrificing the government for.
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