Canadian plans to open nuclear trade with India have triggered criticism from nonproliferation advocates concerned that New Delhi's access to sensitive materials could result in gains for the nation's nuclear weapons program, the Canadian Press reported Friday (see GSN, Jan. 23).
"Canada has abdicated its historic leadership role in the establishment and maintenance of the global nuclear nonproliferation norm," said Douglas Shaw, an international affairs expert at George Washington University. "As the first state to choose not to build an independent nuclear arsenal, Canada's behavior plays an essential role in defining this standard of globally responsible sovereignty."
For decades, India was barred from purchasing nuclear materials and technology because it does not belong to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and does not permit international monitoring of all of its nuclear activities. Last year, however, the United States dropped its ban on nuclear sales to New Delhi and persuaded the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group to exempt India from a similar international prohibition (see GSN, Sept. 8, 2008). Major exporters such as France and Russia quickly moved to enter supply agreements with India, and Canadian leaders have not wanted to be left out. Critics have conceded that trade will begin, but have called for strict limits.
"Given that Canada is going to pursue nuclear cooperation with India -- and that's now inevitable -- there are some very basic nonproliferation conditions that I think should still be put on those arrangements," said Ernie Reghr of Project Ploughshares.
He urged Canadian leaders to demand a written pledge from India promising not to test any nuclear weapons and to require strict oversight of any uranium transfers to ensure that no material is diverted to India's military sector (Bruce Cheadle, Canadian Press/Google News, Jan. 23).