The retired scientists have not addressed any of these issues, nor have they finally made their choice amongst the two alternatives: a change in US law with subsequent changes in NSG Guidelines and civil nuclear commerce between India and NSG members or no change in US law, no change in NSG Guidelines and continuation of past embargoes on technology transfer against India. The US law has been passed. Unless they, as political scientists, believe that the law can be reopened and modified, they can only suggest the means whereby India can protect its interests in the 123 negotiations. That, as has been stressed by the government, is an agreement in the making and there it can use the scientists’ expertise, if it is focused and specific.

The writer is a technology consultant specialising in nuclear issues. He’s currently a research consultant, National Maritime Foundation