Nuclear Deterrent

With all the talk about India's nuclear deterrence capability and how it would play a huge role in determining national security in the face of over-riding pressure from across the Atlantic, I thought - why not update myself a bit on the issue.

I came across terms such as The Hyde Act and the puerile sounding '123 Agreement' and was amazed at the implications that Indian government's decisions may have on the Indian public. A book by a key author of the Indo-American nuclear deal - Ashley Tellis, "India's Emerging Nuclear Posture: Between Recessed Deterrent and Ready Arsenal" also caught my fancy.

An insightful piece of information which I thought captures the core of the discussion is a must read for all you fission-fusion afficionados out there:

http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/may/16guest.htm

This article penned by S Ragotham has an interview with Ashley Tellis which captures some fantastic insights into the machinations that are so often not transparent to the common man. The basic question - "Should India eschew its right to conduct further nuclear tests?" is one that should be left open for considered debate not just amongst bureaucrats but also intelligentsia and technologists. And the time for debate is Now!