Despite recent strengthening of relations between India and Japan, there is a delay in signing a civil nuclear cooperation agreement between them. Examine the concerns of Japan in signing this agreement and its importance for India. (200 Words)
Though Japan has given in principle nod to conclude civil nuclear agreement with India, still there are many roadblocks in final signing of the treaty.
Concerns raised by Japan are as follows:
- Since India has not signed Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty (NPT) and it was the first country to test nuclear explosions after institutionalisation of NPT, a large sections is wary of nuclear trade with India.
- Japan has been a victim of nuclear hazards twice in the history and it has created an opinion among large sections to completely stop nuclear trade.
- Nullification clause: Japan wants the clause which will allow Japan to stop Nuclear Cooperation with India if the latter conducts nuclear test. Though India has unilaterally imposed moratorium on nuclear testing in 2008 but Japan is not satisfied with it.
- Japan wants IAEA inspection of India’s nuclear facilities.
Importance of nuclear agreement for India.
- Share of nuclear energy is on a continuous rise in India’s overall energy basket and international cooperation is key to achieving the ambitious INDC target of 40% non coal energy by 2030.
- Huge implications for overall strategic partnership with Japan.
- It will help India as a bargaining power while dealing with other countries. Eg: Australia
- It will virtually make NPT insignificant for India, and India’s attempts for entry into Nuclear Supplier’s Group NSG will get a new push.
Japanese technology cannot be accessed lest Indo Japan contract is signed and Indo Japan contract would be a symbol of strengthening cooperation in midst of increasing Chinese interference in South Asia, hence it is important.