2/26/2006

A Nuclear India?

With over a billion people, India represents the world's largest democracy. Now, President Bush is on his way to make a nuclear deal with this growing power. India's rapid growth has been feared by many Americans while supported by others. India's upper and middle classes have seen the benefits of last year's 30% growth in U.S. imports. The nuclear agreement will help to reduce India's dependence on oil while supplying the additional energy needs necessary for economic growth. Although India has agreed to separate nuclear energy work from nuclear weapons programs, some are still skeptical of the deal. With a predominantly Muslim population, concerned Americans want to make sure that nuclear weapons don't get into the hands of terrorists.

3 comments:

derek said...

Anything that the United States can do to help India at this point will most likely benefit both countries in the future. A good relationship with a huge, and economically growing country will provided trade opportunities, etc. that will benefit both economies and create economic benefit. The terrorism issue should not be a factor in my opinion. Terrorists are going to get their hands on what they want, no matter where it is, or who has it. Also, that fact that India is mostly Muslim does not make them any more likely to harbor terrorists.

Dr. Tufte said...

Ella and Boris - India is predominantly Hindu, not Muslim. Pakistan is the only Moslem country with nuclear weapons (unless Iran already has them and is hiding the fact).

Also, next time you should link this to managerial economics in some way.

Anonymous said...

Having India with a nuclear power plant doesn't create a scare for the US. Countries are not against the US, terrorist are. If terrorist want the use of nuclear weapons they will get them. Entire governments should not be punished for the results of a few.