Dear friends, I would like to answer to certain

important questions from the youth and the common

citizens which I received by email, letter and also

during interactions for the benefit of understanding

for the people, because the deal is through now

without any hitch and got the approval of NSG, US

Parliament and India

has ratified

with the

agree-

ment

be-

tween India and USA. My answers to many ques-

tions are based on my discussion with the experts in

the field and the actual data from Department of

Atomic Energy.

Before that let me give the background. India

has 17% of the world’s population, but has only

about 0.8% of the world’s known oil and natural gas

resources. Based on the progress visualized for the

nation during the next two decades, the power gen-

erating capacity has to increase to 400,000 MW by

the year 2030 from the current 144,565 MW in

India. This takes into consideration of energy econo-

mies planned and the design and production of

energy efficient equipments and systems. Energy

independence has got to be achieved through three

different sources namely renewable energy (solar,

wind apart from hydro power), electrical power from

nuclear energy and bio-fuel for the transportation

sector.

The hydel capacity generated through normal

water sources and inter-linking of rivers is expected

to contribute an additional 50,000 MW. Large scale

solar energy farms of hundreds of megawatts capac-

ity in certain number could contribute around

55,000 MW. The nuclear power plants should have a

target of 50,000 MW of power. Atleast 64,000 MW

of electrical power should come from wind energy.

The balance 51,000 MW has to be generated

through the conventional thermal plants through

clean coal and gas and other renewable sources of

energy such as Biomass, Power through municipal

waste and solar thermal power. The most significant

aspect, however would be that the power generated

through renewable energy technolo-

gies has to be increased to 28%

against the present 5%

With these background let me

answer to the questions

from one of

the emails which I have received from Mr. Nitin Goel,

from Mumbai (<schokhi@vsnl.com>). I will also re-

spond to other questions of the people from various

walks of the people who asked me starting from 10

years old boy who sent an email.

Indo-US Nuclear Deal - Explored!

E-Paper

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam answers to questions ! why now? he explains in detail.

Friday, November 07,

WWW.ABDULKALAM.COM

Vol. 2, Issue : 2

Indo-US

Nuclear

Deal

Dr. Kalam received

number of emails from the

people and from large

number of youth regarding

the Indo-US nuclear deal.

Even though he has

answered many questions

during interaction meetings,

through media and also

through emails, it was felt

that large number of youth

are still repeatedly asking

questions to him through

email and it was continuing.

Hence, it was decided to

collate all the questions and

get a simple but detailed

answer from Dr. Kalam and

bring out a special issue

through Billion beats e-paper,

hence this special issue on

Indo-US Nuclear deal. We

have covered most of the

questions and brought out

this issue as a most

comprehensive issue for the

readers. We regret the delay

in brining out the issues in

time, we assure you that we

will strive hard to bring the

issues in time henceforth

regularly.

By

V. Ponraj &

Maj. Gen. R. Swaminathan

“Strength respects strength”

Special Issue on Indo-US Nuclear Deal

Editorial

Simple strokes by Shreyas Navare

Dr. Kalam’s Proximity to natureDr. Kalam’s Proximity to natureDr. Kalam’s Proximity to natureDr. Kalam’s Proximity to nature

Advanced

Nuclear

Research

in India

Thorium

based Fast

Breeder

reactor

Question No.1Question No.1Question No.1Question No.1 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground When India would need 213 584 MWe When India would need 213 584 MWe When India would need 213 584 MWe When India would need 213 584 MWe in 2015 at the present 9.4% growth in 2015 at the present 9.4% growth in 2015 at the present 9.4% growth in 2015 at the present 9.4% growth rate and when we have installed capac-rate and when we have installed capac-rate and when we have installed capac-rate and when we have installed capac-ity of 135,006 MWe already thus ity of 135,006 MWe already thus ity of 135,006 MWe already thus ity of 135,006 MWe already thus requiring additional only 78,578 MWerequiring additional only 78,578 MWerequiring additional only 78,578 MWerequiring additional only 78,578 MWe And when our 11th Plan has provided And when our 11th Plan has provided And when our 11th Plan has provided And when our 11th Plan has provided 50,000 MWe from coal, 10,000 MWe 50,000 MWe from coal, 10,000 MWe 50,000 MWe from coal, 10,000 MWe 50,000 MWe from coal, 10,000 MWe from hydro, 16,000 MWe from gas and from hydro, 16,000 MWe from gas and from hydro, 16,000 MWe from gas and from hydro, 16,000 MWe from gas and 7,500 MWe from alternative sources 7,500 MWe from alternative sources 7,500 MWe from alternative sources 7,500 MWe from alternative sources total aggregating to 81,500 MWe,total aggregating to 81,500 MWe,total aggregating to 81,500 MWe,total aggregating to 81,500 MWe, QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion WHY DO WE NEED energy from im-WHY DO WE NEED energy from im-WHY DO WE NEED energy from im-WHY DO WE NEED energy from im-ported uranium?ported uranium?ported uranium?ported uranium?

Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: The present nuclear power

capacity which is around 3900 MW is

expected to go to 7160 MW by 2012

with the completion of nine reactors

which are now in progress. Eventually

as per present plan of BARC and Nu-

clear Power Corporation the capacity by

2020 is expected to be increased to

24,000 MW (By the end of 12th Plan –

overall nuclear power – 18160MW)

There is a plan to increase this capacity

to 50,000 MW by 2030 through ura-

nium and thorium route for which

ground work has already been done by

the scientists

of Depart-

ment of

Atomic En-

ergy.

Nuclear

power gen-

eration has

been given a

thrust by the

use of ura-

nium based

fuel. However to meet the increased

needs of nuclear power generation, it is

essential to pursue the development of

nuclear power using Thorium, reserves

of which are higher in the country.

Technology development has to be

accelerated for Thorium based reac-

tors. Thorium is a non fissile material; it

has to be converted into a fissile mate-

rial through fast breeder reactor. For

conversion of Thorium

and maximizing its

utilization develop-

ment of Fast Breeder

Reactor has been

rightly taken up. But

till then we cannot

afford to exhaust our

own nuclear resources

that is uranium. We

need uranium, when

our thorium reactors

are becoming critical by 2025–2030.

After 2030 , we may not require any

imported uranium; we can be self-

sufficient with our internal nuclear

resources.

Why do you need energy from imported Uranium?

Why to sign the agreement in hurry?

making the thorium based power plant

critical after the extensive R&D within

next 7 years time.

Certainly, an aggressive effort for

further exploration of uranium is being

pursued. Natural uranium contains only

0.7% of 235U, the only fissionable mate-

rial available in nature. In principle,

however, the entire quantity of uranium

(235U and 238U) and thorium available in

nature can be converted to fissionable

form that can be used for contributing

to energy security of the mankind for a

few millenniums.

With the above-mentioned per-

spective, the Indian nuclear power

programme is based on closed nuclear

fuel cycle, in

which the spent fuel of the first stage

PHWRs is reprocessed to obtain fis-

sionable plutonium. The choice of

PHWRs in the first stage is driven by

the fact that in PHWRs, on account of

the use of heavy water as moderator

and on-power refueling, more neutrons

are available to convert 238U to Pu than

in the case of Light Water Reactors

(LWRs). In other words, for the same

amount of mined uranium, power

produced as well as plutonium gener-

ated is higher for PHWRs than in the

case of LWRs, where the light water

moderator absorbs more neutrons and

batch-mode refueling necessitates

placing burnable neutron absorbers in

the core along with fresh fuel.

The highest breeding ratio in the

FBR is achieved with plutonium-

uranium based metallic fuel in the core

and uranium in the blanket. Introduc-

tion of thorium in the blanket of a

plutonium-uranium fueled FBR slightly

increases the doubling time that has

an adverse impact on the rate of

growth of the installed FBR capacity in

the initial part of the second stage.

Hence, in the second stage, the intro-

duction of thorium has to be done in a

timely manner, starting with the use of

Question No.2Question No.2Question No.2Question No.2 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground When Dr. Vikram Sarabhai predicted When Dr. Vikram Sarabhai predicted When Dr. Vikram Sarabhai predicted When Dr. Vikram Sarabhai predicted in1974 nuclear energy 43,500 MWe in1974 nuclear energy 43,500 MWe in1974 nuclear energy 43,500 MWe in1974 nuclear energy 43,500 MWe by 2000? by 2000? by 2000? by 2000? When Dr. Raja Ramanna predicted in When Dr. Raja Ramanna predicted in When Dr. Raja Ramanna predicted in When Dr. Raja Ramanna predicted in 1984 nuclear energy 10,000 MWe by 1984 nuclear energy 10,000 MWe by 1984 nuclear energy 10,000 MWe by 1984 nuclear energy 10,000 MWe by 2000?2000?2000?2000? When DAE projected in 2003 nuclear When DAE projected in 2003 nuclear When DAE projected in 2003 nuclear When DAE projected in 2003 nuclear energy 20,000 MWe by 2020? energy 20,000 MWe by 2020? energy 20,000 MWe by 2020? energy 20,000 MWe by 2020? When all these years (since Pokharan When all these years (since Pokharan When all these years (since Pokharan When all these years (since Pokharan ----I) India was faced with nuclear sanc-I) India was faced with nuclear sanc-I) India was faced with nuclear sanc-I) India was faced with nuclear sanc-tion?tion?tion?tion? QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion DID OUR SCIENTISTS made such prom-DID OUR SCIENTISTS made such prom-DID OUR SCIENTISTS made such prom-DID OUR SCIENTISTS made such prom-ises on IMPORTED URANIUM? ises on IMPORTED URANIUM? ises on IMPORTED URANIUM? ises on IMPORTED URANIUM? Certainly NOT!Certainly NOT!Certainly NOT!Certainly NOT! It was based on India's own Uranium?It was based on India's own Uranium?It was based on India's own Uranium?It was based on India's own Uranium? WHY then this hurry to sign the Agree-WHY then this hurry to sign the Agree-WHY then this hurry to sign the Agree-WHY then this hurry to sign the Agree-

ment?ment?ment?ment?

Dr. Kalam: Ans: Dr. Kalam: Ans: Dr. Kalam: Ans: Dr. Kalam: Ans: Currently, the known

Indian nuclear energy resources com-

prise only 61,000 tonnes of uranium

which can give 10000 MWe till its

lifetime and we have more than

2,25,000 tonnes of thorium, which is

the second largest resource in the

world next to Australia. With the exist-

ing uranium in stock and available

uranium certainly we can achieve the

target set by the DAE. But the question

is? Is it wise to exhaust our own ura-

nium resources now? What will happen

when we need uranium, at the time of

2 E-Paper

US President George W.

Bush (R) meets with

Indian Prime Minister

Manmohan Singh in the

Oval Office of the White

House on September

25, 2008 in Washing-

ton, DC. Bush told

Singh he was "working

hard" to push their

stalled civilian nuclear

pact through the US

billion�beats�

November 7, 2008

Advanced Heavy Water Advanced Heavy Water

Reactor (AHWR) Reactor (AHWR) -- to to

derive twoderive two--third of its third of its

power from thorium power from thorium

and one third from and one third from

plutonium generated plutonium generated

from Fast Breeder Re-from Fast Breeder Re-

actor (FBR). Implemen-actor (FBR). Implemen-

tation of AHWR project tation of AHWR project

and development of and development of

associated fuel cycle associated fuel cycle

facilities will provide facilities will provide

industrial scale experi-industrial scale experi-

ence in the handling of ence in the handling of

thorium.thorium.

“We need uranium, when “We need uranium, when “We need uranium, when “We need uranium, when

our thorium reactors are our thorium reactors are our thorium reactors are our thorium reactors are

becoming critical by 2025. After becoming critical by 2025. After becoming critical by 2025. After becoming critical by 2025. After

2030, we may not require any 2030, we may not require any 2030, we may not require any 2030, we may not require any

imported uranium; we can be imported uranium; we can be imported uranium; we can be imported uranium; we can be

selfselfselfself----sufficient with our internal sufficient with our internal sufficient with our internal sufficient with our internal

nuclear resources.”nuclear resources.”nuclear resources.”nuclear resources.”

“The known Indian nuclear The known Indian nuclear The known Indian nuclear The known Indian nuclear

energy resources comprise only energy resources comprise only energy resources comprise only energy resources comprise only

61,000 tonnes of uranium which 61,000 tonnes of uranium which 61,000 tonnes of uranium which 61,000 tonnes of uranium which

can give 10000 MWe till its can give 10000 MWe till its can give 10000 MWe till its can give 10000 MWe till its

lifetime and we have more than lifetime and we have more than lifetime and we have more than lifetime and we have more than

2,25,000 tonnes of thorium, 2,25,000 tonnes of thorium, 2,25,000 tonnes of thorium, 2,25,000 tonnes of thorium,

which is the second largest which is the second largest which is the second largest which is the second largest

WWW.ABDULKALAM.COM

July 18, 2005: President

Bush and Prime Minister

Singh first announce their

intention to enter into a

nuclear agreement in

Washington.

March 1, 2006: Bush

visits India for the first

time.

March 3, 2006: Bush and

Singh issue a joint

statement on their growing

strategic partnership,

emphasizing their

agreement on civil nuclear

cooperation.

July 26, 2006: The US

House of Representatives

passes the 'Henry J Hyde

United States-India

Peaceful Atomic Energy

Cooperation Act of 2006,'

which stipulates that

Washington will cooperate

with New Delhi on nuclear

issues and exempt it from

signing the Nuclear

Nonproliferation Treaty.

July 28, 2006: In India,

the Left parties demand

threadbare discussion on

the issue in Parliament.

November 16, 2006: The

US Senate passes the

'United States-India

Peaceful Atomic Energy

Cooperation and US

Additional Protocol

Implementation Act' to

"exempt from certain

requirements of the

Atomic Energy Act of

1954 United States exports

of nuclear materials,

equipment, and technology

to India."

3 billion�beats�

uranium in the blanket and much later with plutonium-

uranium based metallic fuel used in the core. DAE

research studies indicate that, it would be most appro-

priate to introduce thorium in this manner, in the third

decade after the launch of metallic fuel based FBRs.

Hence, the introduction of thorium without going to

FBRs is extremely counterproductive, since the installed

power capacity with thorium and plutonium being used

together in thermal reactors will be unable to rise be-

yond a rather insignificant value, considering the total

Indian requirement.

Thorium is an immense source of energy. The

Indian resources of thorium are easily one of the largest

and of the best quality available in the world. Studies

indicate that once the FBR capacity reaches about 200

GWe, thorium-based fuel can be introduced progres-

sively in the FBRs to initiate the third stage, where the

233U bred in these reactors is to be used in the thorium

based reactors. DAE is also envisaging use of Accelera-

tor Driven Sub-critical Systems (ADS) for facilitating an

early introduction of thorium.

Question No.3Question No.3Question No.3Question No.3 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground When India's uranium resources are estimated at as 60,000 When India's uranium resources are estimated at as 60,000 When India's uranium resources are estimated at as 60,000 When India's uranium resources are estimated at as 60,000 –––– 90,000 t. India’s milling capacity is estimated at about 90,000 t. India’s milling capacity is estimated at about 90,000 t. India’s milling capacity is estimated at about 90,000 t. India’s milling capacity is estimated at about 1000 t/year which is sufficient for 501000 t/year which is sufficient for 501000 t/year which is sufficient for 501000 t/year which is sufficient for 50----90 years for 90 years for 90 years for 90 years for 10,000MWe energy production per year and this has been 10,000MWe energy production per year and this has been 10,000MWe energy production per year and this has been 10,000MWe energy production per year and this has been confirmed in public statements jointly by Chairman & Manag-confirmed in public statements jointly by Chairman & Manag-confirmed in public statements jointly by Chairman & Manag-confirmed in public statements jointly by Chairman & Manag-ing Director NPCIL, Director BARC and Director IGCAR;ing Director NPCIL, Director BARC and Director IGCAR;ing Director NPCIL, Director BARC and Director IGCAR;ing Director NPCIL, Director BARC and Director IGCAR; QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion (a) WHY ARE we begging for uranium? And;(a) WHY ARE we begging for uranium? And;(a) WHY ARE we begging for uranium? And;(a) WHY ARE we begging for uranium? And;

(b)(b)(b)(b) WHY have we not reached 10,000 MWe till date?WHY have we not reached 10,000 MWe till date?WHY have we not reached 10,000 MWe till date?WHY have we not reached 10,000 MWe till date?

Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: As I have already mentioned, the known Indian

nuclear energy resources is only 61,000 tonnes of uranium

which can give 10000 MWe only. It is not for every year. It is

the total potential available in India. Presently, our nuclear

reactors are running at 50-55% load factor only. At present

India imports about 30% of its primary energy needs. Stud-

ies done indicate that even if India exploits full potential of all

energy resources there will be a need to continue imports at

the present level even after 5 decades. It is therefore neces-

sary for us to look for options which can reduce import de-

pendence. I have answered to this question of requirement

of uranium in detail in the second question itself.

Question No.4Question No.4Question No.4Question No.4 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground Under Article 2.1 of the 123 Agreement with India Under Article 2.1 of the 123 Agreement with India Under Article 2.1 of the 123 Agreement with India Under Article 2.1 of the 123 Agreement with India statesstatesstatesstates "Each Party shall implement this Agreement in accor-"Each Party shall implement this Agreement in accor-"Each Party shall implement this Agreement in accor-"Each Party shall implement this Agreement in accor-dance with its respective applicable treaties, national dance with its respective applicable treaties, national dance with its respective applicable treaties, national dance with its respective applicable treaties, national laws, regulations and license requirements concerning laws, regulations and license requirements concerning laws, regulations and license requirements concerning laws, regulations and license requirements concerning the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes." the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes." the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes." the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes." 123 Agreement with China states123 Agreement with China states123 Agreement with China states123 Agreement with China states "The parties recognize, with respect to the observance "The parties recognize, with respect to the observance "The parties recognize, with respect to the observance "The parties recognize, with respect to the observance of this agreement, the principle of international law that of this agreement, the principle of international law that of this agreement, the principle of international law that of this agreement, the principle of international law that provides that a party may not invoke the provisions of provides that a party may not invoke the provisions of provides that a party may not invoke the provisions of provides that a party may not invoke the provisions of its internal law as justification for its failure to perform a its internal law as justification for its failure to perform a its internal law as justification for its failure to perform a its internal law as justification for its failure to perform a treaty."treaty."treaty."treaty." This would mean The Hyde Act 2006 can be used This would mean The Hyde Act 2006 can be used This would mean The Hyde Act 2006 can be used This would mean The Hyde Act 2006 can be used against India at any time but it is not so in case of against India at any time but it is not so in case of against India at any time but it is not so in case of against India at any time but it is not so in case of China. China. China. China. QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion

WHY OUR LEADERS keep telling that The Hyde Act is WHY OUR LEADERS keep telling that The Hyde Act is WHY OUR LEADERS keep telling that The Hyde Act is WHY OUR LEADERS keep telling that The Hyde Act is

not important to us?not important to us?not important to us?not important to us?

Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: India has negotiated a draft of agreement of

cooperation with the US. India will be signing only the

agreement for cooperation and will commit itself to the

terms as included in the text of the Agreement. India

has to ensure that the text of the agreement is in accor-

dance with the national laws and regulations in India

while the US would do the same with respect to its laws

and regulations. Please note that 123 agreement is a

framework agreement and not an implementing con-

tract. Whenever implementing agreements or contracts

are signed between Indian entities and US energy firms,

Indian and the US firms have to ensure that they are in

accordance with laws and regulations as applicable to

them. Obviously whatever is not permitted by US laws, will

not be signed by US firms. It, however, does not impose any

constraint on India with regard to signing any contract with

firms in other countries. Thus once international civil nuclear

trade opens up, India can sign contract with several coun-

tries. The laws and regulations of the USA will not come in

the way. To sum up, Hyde Act enables the US to have nu-

clear trade with India, and as a follow up the US has to lobby

with NSG to modify its guidelines to enable civil nuclear trade

with India. Constraints imposed by Hyde Act are applicable

to US firms only.

Why we have not reached 10,000 MWe till now?

Why Hyde act is not important to us?

Question No.5Question No.5Question No.5Question No.5 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground When India has already signatory to international Treaties on When India has already signatory to international Treaties on When India has already signatory to international Treaties on When India has already signatory to international Treaties on biological, chemical and conventional weapons;biological, chemical and conventional weapons;biological, chemical and conventional weapons;biological, chemical and conventional weapons; QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion WHY the 123WHY the 123WHY the 123WHY the 123----Agreement should doubly bind India by comply-Agreement should doubly bind India by comply-Agreement should doubly bind India by comply-Agreement should doubly bind India by comply-ing with Australia Group and Wassenaar Arrangement under ing with Australia Group and Wassenaar Arrangement under ing with Australia Group and Wassenaar Arrangement under ing with Australia Group and Wassenaar Arrangement under The Hyde Act 2006.The Hyde Act 2006.The Hyde Act 2006.The Hyde Act 2006.

Answer:Answer:Answer:Answer: There is no clause in the agreed 123 draft with

regard to binding India to Australia Group and Wassenaar

Arrangement.

Question No.6Question No.6Question No.6Question No.6 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground When India is a sovereign State:When India is a sovereign State:When India is a sovereign State:When India is a sovereign State: QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion WHY the US President is required to submit to the Congres-WHY the US President is required to submit to the Congres-WHY the US President is required to submit to the Congres-WHY the US President is required to submit to the Congres-sional committees a report sional committees a report sional committees a report sional committees a report (a) Whether India is fully and actively participating in the US Whether India is fully and actively participating in the US Whether India is fully and actively participating in the US Whether India is fully and actively participating in the US

and international efforts to dissuade, isolate and if and international efforts to dissuade, isolate and if and international efforts to dissuade, isolate and if and international efforts to dissuade, isolate and if necessary, sanction and contain Iran for its efforts to necessary, sanction and contain Iran for its efforts to necessary, sanction and contain Iran for its efforts to necessary, sanction and contain Iran for its efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear acquire weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear acquire weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear acquire weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear

Chronology of the Indo-US Nuclear Deal

Where is the assurance for Fuel supply?

4 E-Paper

Dr. Kalam meets the

Nuclear Experts during

the DAE Award ceremony

at National Technology

Day & Function for Distri-

ution of DAE Awards. 11

May 2008, BARC, Mumbai

billion�beats�

November 7, 2008

An important basic An important basic

research area is to research area is to

develop reactor develop reactor

systems based on systems based on

thorium wherein thorium wherein

power derived from power derived from

thorium can be thorium can be

increased and ex-increased and ex-

ternal input of fis-ternal input of fis-

sile material can be sile material can be

minimizedminimized

weapons capability weapons capability weapons capability weapons capability (b) AND a description of the specific measures that India AND a description of the specific measures that India AND a description of the specific measures that India AND a description of the specific measures that India

has taken in this regard and if not so assessed what has taken in this regard and if not so assessed what has taken in this regard and if not so assessed what has taken in this regard and if not so assessed what measures US Government has taken to secure In-measures US Government has taken to secure In-measures US Government has taken to secure In-measures US Government has taken to secure In-dia’s full and active participation in such efforts.dia’s full and active participation in such efforts.dia’s full and active participation in such efforts.dia’s full and active participation in such efforts.

(c ) DOES it mean Iraq like measures?(c ) DOES it mean Iraq like measures?(c ) DOES it mean Iraq like measures?(c ) DOES it mean Iraq like measures?

Answer:Answer:Answer:Answer: It is not our concern as to what the US President

is required to submit to the Congressional Committees. It

is between the US President and the US Congress to

determine as to what they should do.

Question No.7Question No.7Question No.7Question No.7 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground WhenWhenWhenWhen The Hyde Act 2006 under Section 102 (13) states:The Hyde Act 2006 under Section 102 (13) states:The Hyde Act 2006 under Section 102 (13) states:The Hyde Act 2006 under Section 102 (13) states:---- """"---------------- the United States should not seek to facilitate or the United States should not seek to facilitate or the United States should not seek to facilitate or the United States should not seek to facilitate or encourage the continuation of nuclear exports to India by encourage the continuation of nuclear exports to India by encourage the continuation of nuclear exports to India by encourage the continuation of nuclear exports to India by any other party if such exports are terminated under the any other party if such exports are terminated under the any other party if such exports are terminated under the any other party if such exports are terminated under the US law." US law." US law." US law." And When The Hyde Act under Section 103 (b)And When The Hyde Act under Section 103 (b)And When The Hyde Act under Section 103 (b)And When The Hyde Act under Section 103 (b)(10) states(10) states(10) states(10) states: "Any nuclear power reactor fuel reserve pro-: "Any nuclear power reactor fuel reserve pro-: "Any nuclear power reactor fuel reserve pro-: "Any nuclear power reactor fuel reserve pro-vided to the Government of India for use in safevided to the Government of India for use in safevided to the Government of India for use in safevided to the Government of India for use in safe----guarded guarded guarded guarded civilian nuclear facilities should be commensurate with civilian nuclear facilities should be commensurate with civilian nuclear facilities should be commensurate with civilian nuclear facilities should be commensurate with reasonable operating requirements." And When The Joint reasonable operating requirements." And When The Joint reasonable operating requirements." And When The Joint reasonable operating requirements." And When The Joint Explanatory Statement of The Committee of Conference Explanatory Statement of The Committee of Conference Explanatory Statement of The Committee of Conference Explanatory Statement of The Committee of Conference describing the Background and Need for the Legislation describing the Background and Need for the Legislation describing the Background and Need for the Legislation describing the Background and Need for the Legislation (page 12) states:(page 12) states:(page 12) states:(page 12) states:---- ".... US Officials testified, however, that the US does not ".... US Officials testified, however, that the US does not ".... US Officials testified, however, that the US does not ".... US Officials testified, however, that the US does not intend to help build a stockpile of nuclear fuel for the intend to help build a stockpile of nuclear fuel for the intend to help build a stockpile of nuclear fuel for the intend to help build a stockpile of nuclear fuel for the purpose of riding out any sanctions that might be im-purpose of riding out any sanctions that might be im-purpose of riding out any sanctions that might be im-purpose of riding out any sanctions that might be im-posed in response to Indian actions such as conducting posed in response to Indian actions such as conducting posed in response to Indian actions such as conducting posed in response to Indian actions such as conducting another nuclear test. another nuclear test. another nuclear test. another nuclear test. ---------------- . They endorse the Senate pro-. They endorse the Senate pro-. They endorse the Senate pro-. They endorse the Senate pro-posal, however, that there be a clear US policy that any posal, however, that there be a clear US policy that any posal, however, that there be a clear US policy that any posal, however, that there be a clear US policy that any fuel reserve provided to India should be commensurate fuel reserve provided to India should be commensurate fuel reserve provided to India should be commensurate fuel reserve provided to India should be commensurate with normal operating requirements for India's safe-with normal operating requirements for India's safe-with normal operating requirements for India's safe-with normal operating requirements for India's safe-guarded reactors". guarded reactors". guarded reactors". guarded reactors". QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion WHERE is the assurance for fuel supply?WHERE is the assurance for fuel supply?WHERE is the assurance for fuel supply?WHERE is the assurance for fuel supply?

Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: Dr. Kalam: As a background to this question, you have

quoted from Hyde Act and the Joint Explanatory Statement

of the Committee of Conference. India has not signed any

of these documents and therefore whatever is written in

those documents is internal to the US. India will be sign-

ing the agreed text of the 123 Agreement and subse-

quently Indian entities will sign implementing contracts

with US energy firms provided they come to an agreement

on techno-economic terms and conditions. Indian entities

will also enter into implementing contracts with compa-

nies in other interested countries.

Fuel supply assurances have to be embedded into these

implementing contracts. While negotiating Safeguards

Agreement with the IAEA Secretariat, it has been ensured

that India will move forward with implementation of safe-

guards on indigenous reactors only when all conditions

conducive to the implementation of the safeguards agree-

ment are in place. India will undertake obligations with

regard to safeguards only when India is satisfied that

contracts with regard to fuel supplies are in place.

(Continued from page 3) Question No.8Question No.8Question No.8Question No.8 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground Article 5.6(c) of the Agreement provides as follows:Article 5.6(c) of the Agreement provides as follows:Article 5.6(c) of the Agreement provides as follows:Article 5.6(c) of the Agreement provides as follows: ".... Taking this into account, India will place its civilian ".... Taking this into account, India will place its civilian ".... Taking this into account, India will place its civilian ".... Taking this into account, India will place its civilian nuclear facilities under Indianuclear facilities under Indianuclear facilities under Indianuclear facilities under India----specific safeguards in specific safeguards in specific safeguards in specific safeguards in perpetuity and negotiate an appropriate safeguards perpetuity and negotiate an appropriate safeguards perpetuity and negotiate an appropriate safeguards perpetuity and negotiate an appropriate safeguards agreement to this end with the IAEA." agreement to this end with the IAEA." agreement to this end with the IAEA." agreement to this end with the IAEA." QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion WHY should India's nuclear installations remain under WHY should India's nuclear installations remain under WHY should India's nuclear installations remain under WHY should India's nuclear installations remain under IAEA safeguards in PERPETUITY once the 123IAEA safeguards in PERPETUITY once the 123IAEA safeguards in PERPETUITY once the 123IAEA safeguards in PERPETUITY once the 123----Agreement is terminated by either party?Agreement is terminated by either party?Agreement is terminated by either party?Agreement is terminated by either party?

Answer:Answer:Answer:Answer: The Safeguards Agreement negotiated with the

IAEA Secretariat ensures that PERPETUITY with regard to

safeguards is linked to PERPETUITY with regard to fuel

supplies.

Question No.9Question No.9Question No.9Question No.9 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground The Hyde Act under Section 104(d)(5)(B)(iii) provides: The Hyde Act under Section 104(d)(5)(B)(iii) provides: The Hyde Act under Section 104(d)(5)(B)(iii) provides: The Hyde Act under Section 104(d)(5)(B)(iii) provides: “In the event the IAEA is unable to implement safe-“In the event the IAEA is unable to implement safe-“In the event the IAEA is unable to implement safe-“In the event the IAEA is unable to implement safe-guards as required by an agreement for cooperation guards as required by an agreement for cooperation guards as required by an agreement for cooperation guards as required by an agreement for cooperation arranged pursuant to section 123 of the Atomic Energy arranged pursuant to section 123 of the Atomic Energy arranged pursuant to section 123 of the Atomic Energy arranged pursuant to section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42USC 2153), appropriate assurance that Act of 1954 (42USC 2153), appropriate assurance that Act of 1954 (42USC 2153), appropriate assurance that Act of 1954 (42USC 2153), appropriate assurance that arrangements will be put in place expeditiously that are arrangements will be put in place expeditiously that are arrangements will be put in place expeditiously that are arrangements will be put in place expeditiously that are consistent with the requirements of section 123a.(1) of consistent with the requirements of section 123a.(1) of consistent with the requirements of section 123a.(1) of consistent with the requirements of section 123a.(1) of such Act (42USC 2153(a)(1) regarding the maintenance such Act (42USC 2153(a)(1) regarding the maintenance such Act (42USC 2153(a)(1) regarding the maintenance such Act (42USC 2153(a)(1) regarding the maintenance of safeguards as set forth in the agreement regardless of safeguards as set forth in the agreement regardless of safeguards as set forth in the agreement regardless of safeguards as set forth in the agreement regardless of whether the agreement is terminated or suspended of whether the agreement is terminated or suspended of whether the agreement is terminated or suspended of whether the agreement is terminated or suspended for any reason”.for any reason”.for any reason”.for any reason”. It is easy for the US to disable the IAEA financially or It is easy for the US to disable the IAEA financially or It is easy for the US to disable the IAEA financially or It is easy for the US to disable the IAEA financially or even otherwise.even otherwise.even otherwise.even otherwise. QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion DOES it mean that US Atomic Energy Act 1954 will DOES it mean that US Atomic Energy Act 1954 will DOES it mean that US Atomic Energy Act 1954 will DOES it mean that US Atomic Energy Act 1954 will prevail when IAEA is not able to implement the safe-prevail when IAEA is not able to implement the safe-prevail when IAEA is not able to implement the safe-prevail when IAEA is not able to implement the safe-guards? guards? guards? guards?

Answer: Answer: Answer: Answer: Article 10.4 of the agreed draft of the 123

Agreement is relevant in this regard and is reproduced

below:

“If the IAEA decides that the application of IAEA safeguards is no longer possible, the supplier and recipient should consult and agree on appropriate verification measures.”.”.”.”

You may note that it is not the same as quoted by you in

the background to this question.

Question No.10Question No.10Question No.10Question No.10 BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground Article 10 of the agreement provides that on termination Article 10 of the agreement provides that on termination Article 10 of the agreement provides that on termination Article 10 of the agreement provides that on termination of the 123of the 123of the 123of the 123----Agreement either Party shall have the right to Agreement either Party shall have the right to Agreement either Party shall have the right to Agreement either Party shall have the right to require the return by the other Party of any nuclear require the return by the other Party of any nuclear require the return by the other Party of any nuclear require the return by the other Party of any nuclear material, equipment etc. transferred under the Agree-material, equipment etc. transferred under the Agree-material, equipment etc. transferred under the Agree-material, equipment etc. transferred under the Agree-ment. It is also provided that all legal obligations per-ment. It is also provided that all legal obligations per-ment. It is also provided that all legal obligations per-ment. It is also provided that all legal obligations per-taining to the Agreement shall cease except that those taining to the Agreement shall cease except that those taining to the Agreement shall cease except that those taining to the Agreement shall cease except that those relating to the Safeguards and other related issues shall relating to the Safeguards and other related issues shall relating to the Safeguards and other related issues shall relating to the Safeguards and other related issues shall apply with respect to any nuclear items still remaining apply with respect to any nuclear items still remaining apply with respect to any nuclear items still remaining apply with respect to any nuclear items still remaining on the territory of the Party concerned.on the territory of the Party concerned.on the territory of the Party concerned.on the territory of the Party concerned. It is further provided that either Party exercising the It is further provided that either Party exercising the It is further provided that either Party exercising the It is further provided that either Party exercising the right of return shall compensate, prior to removal of right of return shall compensate, prior to removal of right of return shall compensate, prior to removal of right of return shall compensate, prior to removal of items, promptly that Party for the fair market value items, promptly that Party for the fair market value items, promptly that Party for the fair market value items, promptly that Party for the fair market value thereof and for the costs of such removals.thereof and for the costs of such removals.thereof and for the costs of such removals.thereof and for the costs of such removals. QuestionQuestionQuestionQuestion (a)(a)(a)(a) WHAT is the relative cost of such buildings and WHAT is the relative cost of such buildings and WHAT is the relative cost of such buildings and WHAT is the relative cost of such buildings and

infrastructure with the Uranium Fuel?infrastructure with the Uranium Fuel?infrastructure with the Uranium Fuel?infrastructure with the Uranium Fuel? (b)(b)(b)(b) WHAT does DAE intend to do with the empty WHAT does DAE intend to do with the empty WHAT does DAE intend to do with the empty WHAT does DAE intend to do with the empty

nuclear buildings once the fuel is taken away?nuclear buildings once the fuel is taken away?nuclear buildings once the fuel is taken away?nuclear buildings once the fuel is taken away?

Answer: Answer: Answer: Answer: The Article 14.6 of the agreed text of the draft

123 Agreement is relevant to this question and it says:

“If either Party exercises its right of return pursuant to paragraph 4 of this Article, it shall, prior to the removal from the territory or from the control of the

India will undertake obligations with regard to India will undertake obligations with regard to India will undertake obligations with regard to India will undertake obligations with regard to

safeguards only when India is satisfied that safeguards only when India is satisfied that safeguards only when India is satisfied that safeguards only when India is satisfied that

contracts with regard to fuel supplies are in place.contracts with regard to fuel supplies are in place.contracts with regard to fuel supplies are in place.contracts with regard to fuel supplies are in place.

Hydrogen BUSHydrogen BUS

ADS - Accelerator Driven System

WWW.ABDULKALAM.COM

December 18, 2006:

President Bush signs into

law congressional

legislation on Indian

atomic energy.

July 27, 2007: Negotiations on a bilateral

agreement between the

United States and India

conclude.

Aug 3, 2007: The text of

the 'Agreement for

Cooperation between the

Government of the United

States of America and the

Government of India

concerning peaceful uses

of nuclear energy' (123

Agreement) is released by

both governments.

5 billion�beats�

other Party, compensate promptly that Party for the fair market value thereof and for the costs incurred as a conse-quence of such removal. If the return of nuclear items is required, the Parties shall agree on methods and arrange-ments for the return of the items, the relevant quantity of the items to be returned, and the amount of compensation that would have to be paid by the Party exercising the right to the other Party”

As you notice from the above article, consequence of removal of items would entail financial loss resulting from non-

availability of electricity from such reactors. The party asking for return of items will have to compensate for such losses. This

is likely to be a huge amount and therefore could make such a demand prohibitively expensive for the party asking for return

of nuclear material.

Dear friends, with this question in detail, there are number of other questions also which I have received number

of emails expressing their interest to find answers to many questions.

There are lot of questions that nuclear energy at present gives only 3% of the total power generation in India and

also is it worth spending huge amount to get the nuclear power by importing uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group coun-

tries by accepting the Indo-US Nuclear agreement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation agreeing to the Safeguards agreement with

IAEA. Is it essential? Is it required or not? Why not we live with whatever we have? Will it not compromise the sovereignty and

security of the nation? Will it not deter our right to do the nuclear test? Will it not compromise India’s foreign policy in favor of

USA? Why the IAEA Safeguards agreement doesn’t allow the un-interrupted nuclear fuel supply and makes the safeguards in

perpetuity? In the event of breach of Indo-US nuclear agreement in order to protect the security of the nation and maintain

the integrity of the nation, the US will put sanction and NSG will withdraw the nuclear fuel, will it not waste of investment and

ultimately all the nuclear fuel will get emptied? The corrective measure included in the preamble of safeguards agreement is

not tenable in view of the specific provisions of the Withdrawals and termination clauses govern the actual withdrawal or

termination? How to find an answer to these genuine questions?

Before let me attempt to answer the questions., let us look at the three state Indian Nuclear Power Programme as per the

DAE sources (Ref Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Atomic Energy Commission lecture at Indian Academy of Science, Bangalore on 4th July

2008).

Chronology of the Indo-US Nuclear Deal