Indias World Indian concern over a US-Pak Nuclear deal

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15/10/2015

Indias World Indian concern over a US-Pak Nuclear deal

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Summary:
India has voiced concern over reports that the US is considering a nuclear agreement with Pakistan on lines of India
US civil nuclear cooperation deal. The outlines of a potential nuclear agreement between US and Pakistan were
recently revealed in a magazine in the US. This is also being termed as a diplomatic blockbuster. US is exploring
possible new limits and controls over Pakistans nuclear weapons and delivery systems. Such an accord might
eventually open a path towards a Pakistani version of the civil nuclear deal that was launched with India in 2005.
Under the agreement, Pakistan might also be asked to restrict its nuclear programs to weapons and delivery
systems that are appropriate to its actual defence needs against Indian nuclear threats. In return, the US may
support Pakistan by sharing nuclear technology for civilian purposes. Ever since India and US signed such a deal,
Pakistan had been demanding for similar agreement with the US.
However, the US has refused to confirm or deny the news. Experts have warned that this progress could be slow
and difficult as Pakistan prizes its nuclear program and its not clear if Pakistan is willing to accept the limitations that
would be required. Previously, administrations both under Presidents Bush and President Obama, had knocked
down the idea of a deal for Pakistan like the one US arrived at with India, saying the background and circumstances
surrounding the US-India civilian nuclear agreement was entirely different, and pointing to Pakistans record of
nuclear proliferation.
In recent months, Pakistan has tried to project itself as a responsible nuclear power, although some of its politicians
brandish the countrys nuclear weapons to assure themselves and their constituents about security against India.
Pakistan has around 100 nuclear warheads in its arsenal. Whereas India has around 80, but Pakistan is also
projected to become the worlds third largest in a decade, based on its production targets. The US and Russia have
the largest stockpile with an estimated 1,600 each. France, China and UK are next with 300, 250 and 225
respectively. Pakistans nuclear arsenal worries the world given its proliferation history and growing presence of
extremists.
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