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Dear friends, I would like to answer to certain
important questions from the youth and the common
citizens which I received by email, letter and also
during interactions for the benefit of understanding
for the people, because the deal is through now
without any hitch and got the approval of NSG, US
Parliament and India
has ratified
with the
agree-
ment
be-
tween India and USA. My answers to many ques-
tions are based on my discussion with the experts in
the field and the actual data from Department of
Atomic Energy.
Before that let me give the background. India
has 17% of the world’s population, but has only
about 0.8% of the world’s known oil and natural gas
resources. Based on the progress visualized for the
nation during the next two decades, the power gen-
erating capacity has to increase to 400,000 MW by
the year 2030 from the current 144,565 MW in
India. This takes into consideration of energy econo-
mies planned and the design and production of
energy efficient equipments and systems. Energy
independence has got to be achieved through three
different sources namely renewable energy (solar,
wind apart from hydro power), electrical power from
nuclear energy and bio-fuel for the transportation
sector.
The hydel capacity generated through normal
water sources and inter-linking of rivers is expected
to contribute an additional 50,000 MW. Large scale
solar energy farms of hundreds of megawatts capac-
ity in certain number could contribute around
55,000 MW. The nuclear power plants should have a
target of 50,000 MW of power. Atleast 64,000 MW
of electrical power should come from wind energy.
The balance 51,000 MW has to be generated
through the conventional thermal plants through
clean coal and gas and other renewable sources of
energy such as Biomass, Power through municipal
waste and solar thermal power. The most significant
aspect, however would be that the power generated
through renewable energy technolo-
gies has to be increased to 28%
against the present 5%
With these background let me
answer to the questions
from one of
the emails which I have received from Mr. Nitin Goel,
from Mumbai (<[email protected]>). I will also re-
spond to other questions of the people from various
walks of the people who asked me starting from 10
years old boy who sent an email.
Indo-US Nuclear Deal - Explored!
E-Paper
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam answers to questions ! why now? he explains in detail.
Friday, November 07,
WWW.ABDULKALAM.COM
Vol. 2, Issue : 2
Indo-US
Nuclear
Deal
Dr. Kalam received
number of emails from the
people and from large
number of youth regarding
the Indo-US nuclear deal.
Even though he has
answered many questions
during interaction meetings,
through media and also
through emails, it was felt
that large number of youth
are still repeatedly asking
questions to him through
email and it was continuing.
Hence, it was decided to
collate all the questions and
get a simple but detailed
answer from Dr. Kalam and
bring out a special issue
through Billion beats e-paper,
hence this special issue on
Indo-US Nuclear deal. We
have covered most of the
questions and brought out
this issue as a most
comprehensive issue for the
readers. We regret the delay
in brining out the issues in
time, we assure you that we
will strive hard to bring the
issues in time henceforth
regularly.
By
V. Ponraj &
Maj. Gen. R. Swaminathan
“Strength respects strength”
Special Issue on Indo-US Nuclear Deal
Editorial
Simple strokes by Shreyas Navare
Dr. Kalam’s Proximity to natureDr. Kalam’s Proximity to natureDr. Kalam’s Proximity to natureDr. Kalam’s Proximity to nature
Advanced
Nuclear
Research
in India
Thorium
based Fast
Breeder
reactor
Question No.1Question No.1Question No.1Question No.1 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground When India would need 213 584 MWe When India would need 213 584 MWe When India would need 213 584 MWe When India would need 213 584 MWe in 2015 at the present 9.4% growth in 2015 at the present 9.4% growth in 2015 at the present 9.4% growth in 2015 at the present 9.4% growth rate and when we have installed capac-rate and when we have installed capac-rate and when we have installed capac-rate and when we have installed capac-ity of 135,006 MWe already thus ity of 135,006 MWe already thus ity of 135,006 MWe already thus ity of 135,006 MWe already thus requiring additional only 78,578 MWerequiring additional only 78,578 MWerequiring additional only 78,578 MWerequiring additional only 78,578 MWe And when our 11th Plan has provided And when our 11th Plan has provided And when our 11th Plan has provided And when our 11th Plan has provided 50,000 MWe from coal, 10,000 MWe 50,000 MWe from coal, 10,000 MWe 50,000 MWe from coal, 10,000 MWe 50,000 MWe from coal, 10,000 MWe from hydro, 16,000 MWe from gas and from hydro, 16,000 MWe from gas and from hydro, 16,000 MWe from gas and from hydro, 16,000 MWe from gas and 7,500 MWe from alternative sources 7,500 MWe from alternative sources 7,500 MWe from alternative sources 7,500 MWe from alternative sources total aggregating to 81,500 MWe,total aggregating to 81,500 MWe,total aggregating to 81,500 MWe,total aggregating to 81,500 MWe, QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion WHY DO WE NEED energy from im-WHY DO WE NEED energy from im-WHY DO WE NEED energy from im-WHY DO WE NEED energy from im-ported uranium?ported uranium?ported uranium?ported uranium?
Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: The present nuclear power
capacity which is around 3900 MW is
expected to go to 7160 MW by 2012
with the completion of nine reactors
which are now in progress. Eventually
as per present plan of BARC and Nu-
clear Power Corporation the capacity by
2020 is expected to be increased to
24,000 MW (By the end of 12th Plan –
overall nuclear power – 18160MW)
There is a plan to increase this capacity
to 50,000 MW by 2030 through ura-
nium and thorium route for which
ground work has already been done by
the scientists
of Depart-
ment of
Atomic En-
ergy.
Nuclear
power gen-
eration has
been given a
thrust by the
use of ura-
nium based
fuel. However to meet the increased
needs of nuclear power generation, it is
essential to pursue the development of
nuclear power using Thorium, reserves
of which are higher in the country.
Technology development has to be
accelerated for Thorium based reac-
tors. Thorium is a non fissile material; it
has to be converted into a fissile mate-
rial through fast breeder reactor. For
conversion of Thorium
and maximizing its
utilization develop-
ment of Fast Breeder
Reactor has been
rightly taken up. But
till then we cannot
afford to exhaust our
own nuclear resources
that is uranium. We
need uranium, when
our thorium reactors
are becoming critical by 2025–2030.
After 2030 , we may not require any
imported uranium; we can be self-
sufficient with our internal nuclear
resources.
Why do you need energy from imported Uranium?
Why to sign the agreement in hurry?
making the thorium based power plant
critical after the extensive R&D within
next 7 years time.
Certainly, an aggressive effort for
further exploration of uranium is being
pursued. Natural uranium contains only
0.7% of 235U, the only fissionable mate-
rial available in nature. In principle,
however, the entire quantity of uranium
(235U and 238U) and thorium available in
nature can be converted to fissionable
form that can be used for contributing
to energy security of the mankind for a
few millenniums.
With the above-mentioned per-
spective, the Indian nuclear power
programme is based on closed nuclear
fuel cycle, in
which the spent fuel of the first stage
PHWRs is reprocessed to obtain fis-
sionable plutonium. The choice of
PHWRs in the first stage is driven by
the fact that in PHWRs, on account of
the use of heavy water as moderator
and on-power refueling, more neutrons
are available to convert 238U to Pu than
in the case of Light Water Reactors
(LWRs). In other words, for the same
amount of mined uranium, power
produced as well as plutonium gener-
ated is higher for PHWRs than in the
case of LWRs, where the light water
moderator absorbs more neutrons and
batch-mode refueling necessitates
placing burnable neutron absorbers in
the core along with fresh fuel.
The highest breeding ratio in the
FBR is achieved with plutonium-
uranium based metallic fuel in the core
and uranium in the blanket. Introduc-
tion of thorium in the blanket of a
plutonium-uranium fueled FBR slightly
increases the doubling time that has
an adverse impact on the rate of
growth of the installed FBR capacity in
the initial part of the second stage.
Hence, in the second stage, the intro-
duction of thorium has to be done in a
timely manner, starting with the use of
Question No.2Question No.2Question No.2Question No.2 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground When Dr. Vikram Sarabhai predicted When Dr. Vikram Sarabhai predicted When Dr. Vikram Sarabhai predicted When Dr. Vikram Sarabhai predicted in1974 nuclear energy 43,500 MWe in1974 nuclear energy 43,500 MWe in1974 nuclear energy 43,500 MWe in1974 nuclear energy 43,500 MWe by 2000? by 2000? by 2000? by 2000? When Dr. Raja Ramanna predicted in When Dr. Raja Ramanna predicted in When Dr. Raja Ramanna predicted in When Dr. Raja Ramanna predicted in 1984 nuclear energy 10,000 MWe by 1984 nuclear energy 10,000 MWe by 1984 nuclear energy 10,000 MWe by 1984 nuclear energy 10,000 MWe by 2000?2000?2000?2000? When DAE projected in 2003 nuclear When DAE projected in 2003 nuclear When DAE projected in 2003 nuclear When DAE projected in 2003 nuclear energy 20,000 MWe by 2020? energy 20,000 MWe by 2020? energy 20,000 MWe by 2020? energy 20,000 MWe by 2020? When all these years (since Pokharan When all these years (since Pokharan When all these years (since Pokharan When all these years (since Pokharan ----I) India was faced with nuclear sanc-I) India was faced with nuclear sanc-I) India was faced with nuclear sanc-I) India was faced with nuclear sanc-tion?tion?tion?tion? QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion DID OUR SCIENTISTS made such prom-DID OUR SCIENTISTS made such prom-DID OUR SCIENTISTS made such prom-DID OUR SCIENTISTS made such prom-ises on IMPORTED URANIUM? ises on IMPORTED URANIUM? ises on IMPORTED URANIUM? ises on IMPORTED URANIUM? Certainly NOT!Certainly NOT!Certainly NOT!Certainly NOT! It was based on India's own Uranium?It was based on India's own Uranium?It was based on India's own Uranium?It was based on India's own Uranium? WHY then this hurry to sign the Agree-WHY then this hurry to sign the Agree-WHY then this hurry to sign the Agree-WHY then this hurry to sign the Agree-
ment?ment?ment?ment?
Dr. Kalam: Ans: Dr. Kalam: Ans: Dr. Kalam: Ans: Dr. Kalam: Ans: Currently, the known
Indian nuclear energy resources com-
prise only 61,000 tonnes of uranium
which can give 10000 MWe till its
lifetime and we have more than
2,25,000 tonnes of thorium, which is
the second largest resource in the
world next to Australia. With the exist-
ing uranium in stock and available
uranium certainly we can achieve the
target set by the DAE. But the question
is? Is it wise to exhaust our own ura-
nium resources now? What will happen
when we need uranium, at the time of
2 E-Paper
US President George W.
Bush (R) meets with
Indian Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh in the
Oval Office of the White
House on September
25, 2008 in Washing-
ton, DC. Bush told
Singh he was "working
hard" to push their
stalled civilian nuclear
pact through the US
billion�beats�
November 7, 2008
Advanced Heavy Water Advanced Heavy Water
Reactor (AHWR) Reactor (AHWR) -- to to
derive twoderive two--third of its third of its
power from thorium power from thorium
and one third from and one third from
plutonium generated plutonium generated
from Fast Breeder Re-from Fast Breeder Re-
actor (FBR). Implemen-actor (FBR). Implemen-
tation of AHWR project tation of AHWR project
and development of and development of
associated fuel cycle associated fuel cycle
facilities will provide facilities will provide
industrial scale experi-industrial scale experi-
ence in the handling of ence in the handling of
thorium.thorium.
“We need uranium, when “We need uranium, when “We need uranium, when “We need uranium, when
our thorium reactors are our thorium reactors are our thorium reactors are our thorium reactors are
becoming critical by 2025. After becoming critical by 2025. After becoming critical by 2025. After becoming critical by 2025. After
2030, we may not require any 2030, we may not require any 2030, we may not require any 2030, we may not require any
imported uranium; we can be imported uranium; we can be imported uranium; we can be imported uranium; we can be
selfselfselfself----sufficient with our internal sufficient with our internal sufficient with our internal sufficient with our internal
nuclear resources.”nuclear resources.”nuclear resources.”nuclear resources.”
“The known Indian nuclear The known Indian nuclear The known Indian nuclear The known Indian nuclear
energy resources comprise only energy resources comprise only energy resources comprise only energy resources comprise only
61,000 tonnes of uranium which 61,000 tonnes of uranium which 61,000 tonnes of uranium which 61,000 tonnes of uranium which
can give 10000 MWe till its can give 10000 MWe till its can give 10000 MWe till its can give 10000 MWe till its
lifetime and we have more than lifetime and we have more than lifetime and we have more than lifetime and we have more than
2,25,000 tonnes of thorium, 2,25,000 tonnes of thorium, 2,25,000 tonnes of thorium, 2,25,000 tonnes of thorium,
which is the second largest which is the second largest which is the second largest which is the second largest
WWW.ABDULKALAM.COM
July 18, 2005: President
Bush and Prime Minister
Singh first announce their
intention to enter into a
nuclear agreement in
Washington.
March 1, 2006: Bush
visits India for the first
time.
March 3, 2006: Bush and
Singh issue a joint
statement on their growing
strategic partnership,
emphasizing their
agreement on civil nuclear
cooperation.
July 26, 2006: The US
House of Representatives
passes the 'Henry J Hyde
United States-India
Peaceful Atomic Energy
Cooperation Act of 2006,'
which stipulates that
Washington will cooperate
with New Delhi on nuclear
issues and exempt it from
signing the Nuclear
Nonproliferation Treaty.
July 28, 2006: In India,
the Left parties demand
threadbare discussion on
the issue in Parliament.
November 16, 2006: The
US Senate passes the
'United States-India
Peaceful Atomic Energy
Cooperation and US
Additional Protocol
Implementation Act' to
"exempt from certain
requirements of the
Atomic Energy Act of
1954 United States exports
of nuclear materials,
equipment, and technology
to India."
3 billion�beats�
uranium in the blanket and much later with plutonium-
uranium based metallic fuel used in the core. DAE
research studies indicate that, it would be most appro-
priate to introduce thorium in this manner, in the third
decade after the launch of metallic fuel based FBRs.
Hence, the introduction of thorium without going to
FBRs is extremely counterproductive, since the installed
power capacity with thorium and plutonium being used
together in thermal reactors will be unable to rise be-
yond a rather insignificant value, considering the total
Indian requirement.
Thorium is an immense source of energy. The
Indian resources of thorium are easily one of the largest
and of the best quality available in the world. Studies
indicate that once the FBR capacity reaches about 200
GWe, thorium-based fuel can be introduced progres-
sively in the FBRs to initiate the third stage, where the
233U bred in these reactors is to be used in the thorium
based reactors. DAE is also envisaging use of Accelera-
tor Driven Sub-critical Systems (ADS) for facilitating an
early introduction of thorium.
Question No.3Question No.3Question No.3Question No.3 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground When India's uranium resources are estimated at as 60,000 When India's uranium resources are estimated at as 60,000 When India's uranium resources are estimated at as 60,000 When India's uranium resources are estimated at as 60,000 –––– 90,000 t. India’s milling capacity is estimated at about 90,000 t. India’s milling capacity is estimated at about 90,000 t. India’s milling capacity is estimated at about 90,000 t. India’s milling capacity is estimated at about 1000 t/year which is sufficient for 501000 t/year which is sufficient for 501000 t/year which is sufficient for 501000 t/year which is sufficient for 50----90 years for 90 years for 90 years for 90 years for 10,000MWe energy production per year and this has been 10,000MWe energy production per year and this has been 10,000MWe energy production per year and this has been 10,000MWe energy production per year and this has been confirmed in public statements jointly by Chairman & Manag-confirmed in public statements jointly by Chairman & Manag-confirmed in public statements jointly by Chairman & Manag-confirmed in public statements jointly by Chairman & Manag-ing Director NPCIL, Director BARC and Director IGCAR;ing Director NPCIL, Director BARC and Director IGCAR;ing Director NPCIL, Director BARC and Director IGCAR;ing Director NPCIL, Director BARC and Director IGCAR; QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion (a) WHY ARE we begging for uranium? And;(a) WHY ARE we begging for uranium? And;(a) WHY ARE we begging for uranium? And;(a) WHY ARE we begging for uranium? And;
(b)(b)(b)(b) WHY have we not reached 10,000 MWe till date?WHY have we not reached 10,000 MWe till date?WHY have we not reached 10,000 MWe till date?WHY have we not reached 10,000 MWe till date?
Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: As I have already mentioned, the known Indian
nuclear energy resources is only 61,000 tonnes of uranium
which can give 10000 MWe only. It is not for every year. It is
the total potential available in India. Presently, our nuclear
reactors are running at 50-55% load factor only. At present
India imports about 30% of its primary energy needs. Stud-
ies done indicate that even if India exploits full potential of all
energy resources there will be a need to continue imports at
the present level even after 5 decades. It is therefore neces-
sary for us to look for options which can reduce import de-
pendence. I have answered to this question of requirement
of uranium in detail in the second question itself.
Question No.4Question No.4Question No.4Question No.4 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground Under Article 2.1 of the 123 Agreement with India Under Article 2.1 of the 123 Agreement with India Under Article 2.1 of the 123 Agreement with India Under Article 2.1 of the 123 Agreement with India statesstatesstatesstates "Each Party shall implement this Agreement in accor-"Each Party shall implement this Agreement in accor-"Each Party shall implement this Agreement in accor-"Each Party shall implement this Agreement in accor-dance with its respective applicable treaties, national dance with its respective applicable treaties, national dance with its respective applicable treaties, national dance with its respective applicable treaties, national laws, regulations and license requirements concerning laws, regulations and license requirements concerning laws, regulations and license requirements concerning laws, regulations and license requirements concerning the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes." the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes." the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes." the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes." 123 Agreement with China states123 Agreement with China states123 Agreement with China states123 Agreement with China states "The parties recognize, with respect to the observance "The parties recognize, with respect to the observance "The parties recognize, with respect to the observance "The parties recognize, with respect to the observance of this agreement, the principle of international law that of this agreement, the principle of international law that of this agreement, the principle of international law that of this agreement, the principle of international law that provides that a party may not invoke the provisions of provides that a party may not invoke the provisions of provides that a party may not invoke the provisions of provides that a party may not invoke the provisions of its internal law as justification for its failure to perform a its internal law as justification for its failure to perform a its internal law as justification for its failure to perform a its internal law as justification for its failure to perform a treaty."treaty."treaty."treaty." This would mean The Hyde Act 2006 can be used This would mean The Hyde Act 2006 can be used This would mean The Hyde Act 2006 can be used This would mean The Hyde Act 2006 can be used against India at any time but it is not so in case of against India at any time but it is not so in case of against India at any time but it is not so in case of against India at any time but it is not so in case of China. China. China. China. QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion
WHY OUR LEADERS keep telling that The Hyde Act is WHY OUR LEADERS keep telling that The Hyde Act is WHY OUR LEADERS keep telling that The Hyde Act is WHY OUR LEADERS keep telling that The Hyde Act is
not important to us?not important to us?not important to us?not important to us?
Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: India has negotiated a draft of agreement of
cooperation with the US. India will be signing only the
agreement for cooperation and will commit itself to the
terms as included in the text of the Agreement. India
has to ensure that the text of the agreement is in accor-
dance with the national laws and regulations in India
while the US would do the same with respect to its laws
and regulations. Please note that 123 agreement is a
framework agreement and not an implementing con-
tract. Whenever implementing agreements or contracts
are signed between Indian entities and US energy firms,
Indian and the US firms have to ensure that they are in
accordance with laws and regulations as applicable to
them. Obviously whatever is not permitted by US laws, will
not be signed by US firms. It, however, does not impose any
constraint on India with regard to signing any contract with
firms in other countries. Thus once international civil nuclear
trade opens up, India can sign contract with several coun-
tries. The laws and regulations of the USA will not come in
the way. To sum up, Hyde Act enables the US to have nu-
clear trade with India, and as a follow up the US has to lobby
with NSG to modify its guidelines to enable civil nuclear trade
with India. Constraints imposed by Hyde Act are applicable
to US firms only.
Why we have not reached 10,000 MWe till now?
Why Hyde act is not important to us?
Question No.5Question No.5Question No.5Question No.5 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground When India has already signatory to international Treaties on When India has already signatory to international Treaties on When India has already signatory to international Treaties on When India has already signatory to international Treaties on biological, chemical and conventional weapons;biological, chemical and conventional weapons;biological, chemical and conventional weapons;biological, chemical and conventional weapons; QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion WHY the 123WHY the 123WHY the 123WHY the 123----Agreement should doubly bind India by comply-Agreement should doubly bind India by comply-Agreement should doubly bind India by comply-Agreement should doubly bind India by comply-ing with Australia Group and Wassenaar Arrangement under ing with Australia Group and Wassenaar Arrangement under ing with Australia Group and Wassenaar Arrangement under ing with Australia Group and Wassenaar Arrangement under The Hyde Act 2006.The Hyde Act 2006.The Hyde Act 2006.The Hyde Act 2006.
Answer:Answer:Answer:Answer: There is no clause in the agreed 123 draft with
regard to binding India to Australia Group and Wassenaar
Arrangement.
Question No.6Question No.6Question No.6Question No.6 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground When India is a sovereign State:When India is a sovereign State:When India is a sovereign State:When India is a sovereign State: QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion WHY the US President is required to submit to the Congres-WHY the US President is required to submit to the Congres-WHY the US President is required to submit to the Congres-WHY the US President is required to submit to the Congres-sional committees a report sional committees a report sional committees a report sional committees a report (a) Whether India is fully and actively participating in the US Whether India is fully and actively participating in the US Whether India is fully and actively participating in the US Whether India is fully and actively participating in the US
and international efforts to dissuade, isolate and if and international efforts to dissuade, isolate and if and international efforts to dissuade, isolate and if and international efforts to dissuade, isolate and if necessary, sanction and contain Iran for its efforts to necessary, sanction and contain Iran for its efforts to necessary, sanction and contain Iran for its efforts to necessary, sanction and contain Iran for its efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear acquire weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear acquire weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear acquire weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear
Chronology of the Indo-US Nuclear Deal
Where is the assurance for Fuel supply?
4 E-Paper
Dr. Kalam meets the
Nuclear Experts during
the DAE Award ceremony
at National Technology
Day & Function for Distri-
ution of DAE Awards. 11
May 2008, BARC, Mumbai
billion�beats�
November 7, 2008
An important basic An important basic
research area is to research area is to
develop reactor develop reactor
systems based on systems based on
thorium wherein thorium wherein
power derived from power derived from
thorium can be thorium can be
increased and ex-increased and ex-
ternal input of fis-ternal input of fis-
sile material can be sile material can be
minimizedminimized
weapons capability weapons capability weapons capability weapons capability (b) AND a description of the specific measures that India AND a description of the specific measures that India AND a description of the specific measures that India AND a description of the specific measures that India
has taken in this regard and if not so assessed what has taken in this regard and if not so assessed what has taken in this regard and if not so assessed what has taken in this regard and if not so assessed what measures US Government has taken to secure In-measures US Government has taken to secure In-measures US Government has taken to secure In-measures US Government has taken to secure In-dia’s full and active participation in such efforts.dia’s full and active participation in such efforts.dia’s full and active participation in such efforts.dia’s full and active participation in such efforts.
(c ) DOES it mean Iraq like measures?(c ) DOES it mean Iraq like measures?(c ) DOES it mean Iraq like measures?(c ) DOES it mean Iraq like measures?
Answer:Answer:Answer:Answer: It is not our concern as to what the US President
is required to submit to the Congressional Committees. It
is between the US President and the US Congress to
determine as to what they should do.
Question No.7Question No.7Question No.7Question No.7 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground WhenWhenWhenWhen The Hyde Act 2006 under Section 102 (13) states:The Hyde Act 2006 under Section 102 (13) states:The Hyde Act 2006 under Section 102 (13) states:The Hyde Act 2006 under Section 102 (13) states:---- """"---------------- the United States should not seek to facilitate or the United States should not seek to facilitate or the United States should not seek to facilitate or the United States should not seek to facilitate or encourage the continuation of nuclear exports to India by encourage the continuation of nuclear exports to India by encourage the continuation of nuclear exports to India by encourage the continuation of nuclear exports to India by any other party if such exports are terminated under the any other party if such exports are terminated under the any other party if such exports are terminated under the any other party if such exports are terminated under the US law." US law." US law." US law." And When The Hyde Act under Section 103 (b)And When The Hyde Act under Section 103 (b)And When The Hyde Act under Section 103 (b)And When The Hyde Act under Section 103 (b)(10) states(10) states(10) states(10) states: "Any nuclear power reactor fuel reserve pro-: "Any nuclear power reactor fuel reserve pro-: "Any nuclear power reactor fuel reserve pro-: "Any nuclear power reactor fuel reserve pro-vided to the Government of India for use in safevided to the Government of India for use in safevided to the Government of India for use in safevided to the Government of India for use in safe----guarded guarded guarded guarded civilian nuclear facilities should be commensurate with civilian nuclear facilities should be commensurate with civilian nuclear facilities should be commensurate with civilian nuclear facilities should be commensurate with reasonable operating requirements." And When The Joint reasonable operating requirements." And When The Joint reasonable operating requirements." And When The Joint reasonable operating requirements." And When The Joint Explanatory Statement of The Committee of Conference Explanatory Statement of The Committee of Conference Explanatory Statement of The Committee of Conference Explanatory Statement of The Committee of Conference describing the Background and Need for the Legislation describing the Background and Need for the Legislation describing the Background and Need for the Legislation describing the Background and Need for the Legislation (page 12) states:(page 12) states:(page 12) states:(page 12) states:---- ".... US Officials testified, however, that the US does not ".... US Officials testified, however, that the US does not ".... US Officials testified, however, that the US does not ".... US Officials testified, however, that the US does not intend to help build a stockpile of nuclear fuel for the intend to help build a stockpile of nuclear fuel for the intend to help build a stockpile of nuclear fuel for the intend to help build a stockpile of nuclear fuel for the purpose of riding out any sanctions that might be im-purpose of riding out any sanctions that might be im-purpose of riding out any sanctions that might be im-purpose of riding out any sanctions that might be im-posed in response to Indian actions such as conducting posed in response to Indian actions such as conducting posed in response to Indian actions such as conducting posed in response to Indian actions such as conducting another nuclear test. another nuclear test. another nuclear test. another nuclear test. ---------------- . They endorse the Senate pro-. They endorse the Senate pro-. They endorse the Senate pro-. They endorse the Senate pro-posal, however, that there be a clear US policy that any posal, however, that there be a clear US policy that any posal, however, that there be a clear US policy that any posal, however, that there be a clear US policy that any fuel reserve provided to India should be commensurate fuel reserve provided to India should be commensurate fuel reserve provided to India should be commensurate fuel reserve provided to India should be commensurate with normal operating requirements for India's safe-with normal operating requirements for India's safe-with normal operating requirements for India's safe-with normal operating requirements for India's safe-guarded reactors". guarded reactors". guarded reactors". guarded reactors". QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion WHERE is the assurance for fuel supply?WHERE is the assurance for fuel supply?WHERE is the assurance for fuel supply?WHERE is the assurance for fuel supply?
Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: As a background to this question, you have
quoted from Hyde Act and the Joint Explanatory Statement
of the Committee of Conference. India has not signed any
of these documents and therefore whatever is written in
those documents is internal to the US. India will be sign-
ing the agreed text of the 123 Agreement and subse-
quently Indian entities will sign implementing contracts
with US energy firms provided they come to an agreement
on techno-economic terms and conditions. Indian entities
will also enter into implementing contracts with compa-
nies in other interested countries.
Fuel supply assurances have to be embedded into these
implementing contracts. While negotiating Safeguards
Agreement with the IAEA Secretariat, it has been ensured
that India will move forward with implementation of safe-
guards on indigenous reactors only when all conditions
conducive to the implementation of the safeguards agree-
ment are in place. India will undertake obligations with
regard to safeguards only when India is satisfied that
contracts with regard to fuel supplies are in place.
(Continued from page 3) Question No.8Question No.8Question No.8Question No.8 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground Article 5.6(c) of the Agreement provides as follows:Article 5.6(c) of the Agreement provides as follows:Article 5.6(c) of the Agreement provides as follows:Article 5.6(c) of the Agreement provides as follows: ".... Taking this into account, India will place its civilian ".... Taking this into account, India will place its civilian ".... Taking this into account, India will place its civilian ".... Taking this into account, India will place its civilian nuclear facilities under Indianuclear facilities under Indianuclear facilities under Indianuclear facilities under India----specific safeguards in specific safeguards in specific safeguards in specific safeguards in perpetuity and negotiate an appropriate safeguards perpetuity and negotiate an appropriate safeguards perpetuity and negotiate an appropriate safeguards perpetuity and negotiate an appropriate safeguards agreement to this end with the IAEA." agreement to this end with the IAEA." agreement to this end with the IAEA." agreement to this end with the IAEA." QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion WHY should India's nuclear installations remain under WHY should India's nuclear installations remain under WHY should India's nuclear installations remain under WHY should India's nuclear installations remain under IAEA safeguards in PERPETUITY once the 123IAEA safeguards in PERPETUITY once the 123IAEA safeguards in PERPETUITY once the 123IAEA safeguards in PERPETUITY once the 123----Agreement is terminated by either party?Agreement is terminated by either party?Agreement is terminated by either party?Agreement is terminated by either party?
Answer:Answer:Answer:Answer: The Safeguards Agreement negotiated with the
IAEA Secretariat ensures that PERPETUITY with regard to
safeguards is linked to PERPETUITY with regard to fuel
supplies.
Question No.9Question No.9Question No.9Question No.9 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground The Hyde Act under Section 104(d)(5)(B)(iii) provides: The Hyde Act under Section 104(d)(5)(B)(iii) provides: The Hyde Act under Section 104(d)(5)(B)(iii) provides: The Hyde Act under Section 104(d)(5)(B)(iii) provides: “In the event the IAEA is unable to implement safe-“In the event the IAEA is unable to implement safe-“In the event the IAEA is unable to implement safe-“In the event the IAEA is unable to implement safe-guards as required by an agreement for cooperation guards as required by an agreement for cooperation guards as required by an agreement for cooperation guards as required by an agreement for cooperation arranged pursuant to section 123 of the Atomic Energy arranged pursuant to section 123 of the Atomic Energy arranged pursuant to section 123 of the Atomic Energy arranged pursuant to section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42USC 2153), appropriate assurance that Act of 1954 (42USC 2153), appropriate assurance that Act of 1954 (42USC 2153), appropriate assurance that Act of 1954 (42USC 2153), appropriate assurance that arrangements will be put in place expeditiously that are arrangements will be put in place expeditiously that are arrangements will be put in place expeditiously that are arrangements will be put in place expeditiously that are consistent with the requirements of section 123a.(1) of consistent with the requirements of section 123a.(1) of consistent with the requirements of section 123a.(1) of consistent with the requirements of section 123a.(1) of such Act (42USC 2153(a)(1) regarding the maintenance such Act (42USC 2153(a)(1) regarding the maintenance such Act (42USC 2153(a)(1) regarding the maintenance such Act (42USC 2153(a)(1) regarding the maintenance of safeguards as set forth in the agreement regardless of safeguards as set forth in the agreement regardless of safeguards as set forth in the agreement regardless of safeguards as set forth in the agreement regardless of whether the agreement is terminated or suspended of whether the agreement is terminated or suspended of whether the agreement is terminated or suspended of whether the agreement is terminated or suspended for any reason”.for any reason”.for any reason”.for any reason”. It is easy for the US to disable the IAEA financially or It is easy for the US to disable the IAEA financially or It is easy for the US to disable the IAEA financially or It is easy for the US to disable the IAEA financially or even otherwise.even otherwise.even otherwise.even otherwise. QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion DOES it mean that US Atomic Energy Act 1954 will DOES it mean that US Atomic Energy Act 1954 will DOES it mean that US Atomic Energy Act 1954 will DOES it mean that US Atomic Energy Act 1954 will prevail when IAEA is not able to implement the safe-prevail when IAEA is not able to implement the safe-prevail when IAEA is not able to implement the safe-prevail when IAEA is not able to implement the safe-guards? guards? guards? guards?
Answer: Answer: Answer: Answer: Article 10.4 of the agreed draft of the 123
Agreement is relevant in this regard and is reproduced
below:
“If the IAEA decides that the application of IAEA safeguards is no longer possible, the supplier and recipient should consult and agree on appropriate verification measures.”.”.”.”
You may note that it is not the same as quoted by you in
the background to this question.
Question No.10Question No.10Question No.10Question No.10 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground Article 10 of the agreement provides that on termination Article 10 of the agreement provides that on termination Article 10 of the agreement provides that on termination Article 10 of the agreement provides that on termination of the 123of the 123of the 123of the 123----Agreement either Party shall have the right to Agreement either Party shall have the right to Agreement either Party shall have the right to Agreement either Party shall have the right to require the return by the other Party of any nuclear require the return by the other Party of any nuclear require the return by the other Party of any nuclear require the return by the other Party of any nuclear material, equipment etc. transferred under the Agree-material, equipment etc. transferred under the Agree-material, equipment etc. transferred under the Agree-material, equipment etc. transferred under the Agree-ment. It is also provided that all legal obligations per-ment. It is also provided that all legal obligations per-ment. It is also provided that all legal obligations per-ment. It is also provided that all legal obligations per-taining to the Agreement shall cease except that those taining to the Agreement shall cease except that those taining to the Agreement shall cease except that those taining to the Agreement shall cease except that those relating to the Safeguards and other related issues shall relating to the Safeguards and other related issues shall relating to the Safeguards and other related issues shall relating to the Safeguards and other related issues shall apply with respect to any nuclear items still remaining apply with respect to any nuclear items still remaining apply with respect to any nuclear items still remaining apply with respect to any nuclear items still remaining on the territory of the Party concerned.on the territory of the Party concerned.on the territory of the Party concerned.on the territory of the Party concerned. It is further provided that either Party exercising the It is further provided that either Party exercising the It is further provided that either Party exercising the It is further provided that either Party exercising the right of return shall compensate, prior to removal of right of return shall compensate, prior to removal of right of return shall compensate, prior to removal of right of return shall compensate, prior to removal of items, promptly that Party for the fair market value items, promptly that Party for the fair market value items, promptly that Party for the fair market value items, promptly that Party for the fair market value thereof and for the costs of such removals.thereof and for the costs of such removals.thereof and for the costs of such removals.thereof and for the costs of such removals. QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion (a)(a)(a)(a) WHAT is the relative cost of such buildings and WHAT is the relative cost of such buildings and WHAT is the relative cost of such buildings and WHAT is the relative cost of such buildings and
infrastructure with the Uranium Fuel?infrastructure with the Uranium Fuel?infrastructure with the Uranium Fuel?infrastructure with the Uranium Fuel? (b)(b)(b)(b) WHAT does DAE intend to do with the empty WHAT does DAE intend to do with the empty WHAT does DAE intend to do with the empty WHAT does DAE intend to do with the empty
nuclear buildings once the fuel is taken away?nuclear buildings once the fuel is taken away?nuclear buildings once the fuel is taken away?nuclear buildings once the fuel is taken away?
Answer: Answer: Answer: Answer: The Article 14.6 of the agreed text of the draft
123 Agreement is relevant to this question and it says:
“If either Party exercises its right of return pursuant to paragraph 4 of this Article, it shall, prior to the removal from the territory or from the control of the
India will undertake obligations with regard to India will undertake obligations with regard to India will undertake obligations with regard to India will undertake obligations with regard to
safeguards only when India is satisfied that safeguards only when India is satisfied that safeguards only when India is satisfied that safeguards only when India is satisfied that
contracts with regard to fuel supplies are in place.contracts with regard to fuel supplies are in place.contracts with regard to fuel supplies are in place.contracts with regard to fuel supplies are in place.
Hydrogen BUSHydrogen BUS
ADS - Accelerator Driven System
WWW.ABDULKALAM.COM
December 18, 2006:
President Bush signs into
law congressional
legislation on Indian
atomic energy.
July 27, 2007: Negotiations on a bilateral
agreement between the
United States and India
conclude.
Aug 3, 2007: The text of
the 'Agreement for
Cooperation between the
Government of the United
States of America and the
Government of India
concerning peaceful uses
of nuclear energy' (123
Agreement) is released by
both governments.
5 billion�beats�
other Party, compensate promptly that Party for the fair market value thereof and for the costs incurred as a conse-quence of such removal. If the return of nuclear items is required, the Parties shall agree on methods and arrange-ments for the return of the items, the relevant quantity of the items to be returned, and the amount of compensation that would have to be paid by the Party exercising the right to the other Party”
As you notice from the above article, consequence of removal of items would entail financial loss resulting from non-
availability of electricity from such reactors. The party asking for return of items will have to compensate for such losses. This
is likely to be a huge amount and therefore could make such a demand prohibitively expensive for the party asking for return
of nuclear material.
Dear friends, with this question in detail, there are number of other questions also which I have received number
of emails expressing their interest to find answers to many questions.
There are lot of questions that nuclear energy at present gives only 3% of the total power generation in India and
also is it worth spending huge amount to get the nuclear power by importing uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group coun-
tries by accepting the Indo-US Nuclear agreement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation agreeing to the Safeguards agreement with
IAEA. Is it essential? Is it required or not? Why not we live with whatever we have? Will it not compromise the sovereignty and
security of the nation? Will it not deter our right to do the nuclear test? Will it not compromise India’s foreign policy in favor of
USA? Why the IAEA Safeguards agreement doesn’t allow the un-interrupted nuclear fuel supply and makes the safeguards in
perpetuity? In the event of breach of Indo-US nuclear agreement in order to protect the security of the nation and maintain
the integrity of the nation, the US will put sanction and NSG will withdraw the nuclear fuel, will it not waste of investment and
ultimately all the nuclear fuel will get emptied? The corrective measure included in the preamble of safeguards agreement is
not tenable in view of the specific provisions of the Withdrawals and termination clauses govern the actual withdrawal or
termination? How to find an answer to these genuine questions?
Before let me attempt to answer the questions., let us look at the three state Indian Nuclear Power Programme as per the
DAE sources (Ref Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Atomic Energy Commission lecture at Indian Academy of Science, Bangalore on 4th July
2008).
Chronology of the Indo-US Nuclear Deal