The issue of non-proliferation has once again been brought to the fore with concerns over Tehran’s nuclear program. What has surprised many though is New Delhi voting to report Iran—a long time traditional ally—to the United Nations Security Council which now sets the stage for future action by the top UN body. This may include the ignominy of Tehran having to bear economic and political sanctions.
India had several options up its sleeve including abstaining from voting which may have been the best case scenario theoretically. The decision to chance its arm by raising it alongside Washington is therefore a bold one that may have its critics back home but given the power dynamics of international politics, the vote may have earned for India, the future support of the world’s only super-power and with it the assurance of energy (nuclear) security.
While the Iran vote may have earned for India some vital power points ahead of the expected India visit of President George W Bush it also goes without saying that it would be much better if the issue is dealt within the framework of the IAEA because reference to the UNSC not only entails sanctions on Iran but such a move will push Tehran towards hardening its stand by not cooperating with the IAEA in terms of giving access to its nuclear sites. This will stall any move on the part of the international community to persuade Iran to implement future agreements.
While the decision of the UPA government has drawn wide spread criticism not only from the main opposition party the BJP but also from the Left, some of the points of disparagement sound more like old clichés from the cold war era. It must be mentioned that while the basic framework of India’s foreign policy remain unchanged, multilateral issues are being increasingly addressed in the post-cold war era and ever since India went nuclear. Therefore to say that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has pushed the country into a ‘client State of the US’ as alleged by the BJP on a mere vote does not seem fair. After all it has to be remembered that after much pushing and shoving, both Washington and New Delhi were able to work out a broad strategic understanding on nuclear issues. The US has also come to terms with India’s nuclear program recognizing it as a de-facto Nuclear Weapon State (NWS). As such India has that much responsibility to curb the unhindered proliferation as a responsible nuclear power.
While there is a genuine concern over nuclear materials getting into the wrong hands both New Delhi and Washington would be well reminded that the use of sanctions may not be the best option either. There have been instances in the past when countries like Pakistan and North Korea had traded on their nuclear technology as a way to overcome US economic sanctions. A way about is to engage countries like Iran rather then confronting them into non-cooperation on such a grave issue as nuclear proliferation. India would be in the best position to use its influence with Tehran and work within the framework of the IAEA which will address Iran’s need for civilian use of nuclear technology while at the same time putting in place monitoring mechanism under strict international supervision.
