NEW DELHI: The question of _ nuclear non-proliferation (NPT) is understood to have figured prominently in the first round of Indo-US talks which began here.
The discussions, which lasted _ about three hours, also dealt with confidence-building measures and steps to check the growth of weapons of mass destruction. The proposal for a five-nation meet (India, Pakistan, Russia, China and the US) to explore the possibility of declaring South Asia a nuclear weapon free zone is believed to have come up for discussion. India has been opposing the proposal, sponsored by Pakistan and endorsed by the US, on the ground that it would serve little purpose.
The US delegation was led by Teresita Schaffer, deputy assistant secretary of state, while the | Indian team was headed by Chandra shekhar Dasgupta, additional secretary (international organizations),
The talks are a follow-up to the discussions that the foreign secretary, J.N. Dixit, had with US officials during his recent visit to Washington,
The discussions assume importance in view of the controversy stemming from the US decision to impose sanctions on the space agencies of India and Russia following the advanced rocket technology (cryogenic engine) transfer deal and the latest missile curbs on Indian and some other countries.
While India shares the concern of the US and other countries about nuclear proliferation, t has been opposing Washington’s suggestion that it sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. New Delhi consists the NPT discriminatory and firmly believes that the problem has 10 be tackled on a global basis.
India has repeatedly emphasized that its nuclear program is devoted entirely to peaceful purposes and that it has exercised the utmost restraint in exporting nuclear technology or allied material.
New Delhi has also sought to allay apprehensions that missiles like the Agni might be used to carry nuclear warheads. It has reacted sharply to the missile curbs imposed by Washington and expressed a wish to go ahead with its research and development program despite the “unreasonable” and “irrational” restrictions.
The talks will continue. The Indian delegation includes officials from the Atomic Energy Commission and the defence ministry. Schaffer is being assisted by, among other John Malott who will shortly be succeeding her. She is going to Sri Lanka as the US envoy. Also included in the US team is an official of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 3, 1992
