Population figures and the number of limited overs cricket matches they play will testify that India and Pakistan have a fetish for proliferation.Even so, 10 collective nuclear tests in less than 20 days is an achievement that south Asia's awesome twosome will find hard to repeat.Having proved nuclear prowess, India and Pakistan now need to adopt a more constructive approach. The doctrine of deterrence is appealing, even if there are flaws in taking the stability of Pakistan for granted.But even after Pokhran-II and Chagai, India must stress its non negotiable commitment to verifiable, universal nuclear disarmament.However, it would be imprudent to confuse long-term goals with immediate strategies. The US-inspired doctrine of institutionalised nuclear apartheid has been shown to be unworkable. But to conclude that this sets the stage for a nuclear free-for-all is irresponsible.While pressing for universal nuclear disarmament, India must now demonstrate to the world community that it is mindful of its new obligations..preferred-source-banner{ margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom:10px;}First, the offer of no first-use has to be repeated and international opinion built for an agreement involving India, Pakistan and China.Secondly, India must repeat its willingness to abide by the most crucial clause of the CTBT stop N-testing even if it is unwilling to sign a treaty that does not set a date for universal N-disarmament.Thirdly, it must hint its inclination to review its existing opposition to CTBT if the 1995 Non-Proliferation Treaty is modified to formally recognise it as a N-weapons state.Indeed, if India's de facto status is acknowledged-the modalities of recognition are negotiable Delhi should consider unilaterally opening both its civilian and military reactors to IAEA inspection.It is important for India to demonstrate that it exercised the N-option, not because it wants to pulverise Islamabad, but because an iniquitous world order refused to pay heed to either its genuine desire for peace or its national security.Published By: AtMigration Published On: Jun 8, 1998--- ENDS ---
