India should change nuclear policy

It was disappointing to hear India oppose a ban on nuclear tests last week. One may still hope that New Delhi will change its mind.

Realistically, however, the attempt to ban all nuclear tests by formal treaty this week now appears doomed.

Negotiators at a 61-nation Geneva conference on disarmament had set themselves a target date of June 28 to announce a test ban to the world. India's refusal to go along now puts the attempt to end testing of nuclear weapons on hold, at best.

To be fair, India is not alone in its skepticism of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Pakistan and Israel are more or less as recalcitrant as New Delhi.

All three are worried that if they stop nuclear weapon development, their sometimes hostile neighbors may gain an upper hand. India's concern is with the nuclear potential of China and Pakistan.

In turn, Pakistan worries India already has a large nuclear advantage, if only because India has a nuclear test under its belt, in 1974.

Israel, particularly under the new and somewhat paranoid regime of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, worries about a nuclear threat from Iraq and, more importantly, Iran.

India's opposition to the CTBT is the most important and the most disappointing. The land of Mahatma Gandhi has often espoused a foreign policy based on morality.

During the most dangerous days of the East-West Cold War, India often counseled nuclear disarmament by both of the world superpowers. This attitude of ethical nationalism actually prevented India from developing nuclear weapons until well after China already possessed nuclear capability.

India should change its stance on the CTBT overnight. No realistic person faults New Delhi for considering national security, but the country's leaders should seriously consider whether obstructing forward movement -- no matter how small -- is either helpful or a good example. Indian officials would also do well to consider the nation's image.

India may be remembered as the nation which blocked a nuclear test ban. Or, with a pinch of imagination and courage, India could be celebrated as the nation which espoused openness, inspections, trust and good police work in helping end the nuclear weapon age.

There is a long way to go before nuclear disarmament. The question of how to deal with rogue nations such as North Korea and Iran must still be dealt with, just for example.

But the sight of nations refusing even to ban nuclear tests in these days and times is frustrating. Seeing India as the chief obstruction is the most disappointing sight of all.

-- The Bangkok Post