Regarding apprehensions over India’s right to conduct nuclear tests after the deal, Kalam, Amar Singh said, told them “if other neighbouring countries like Pakistan and China make nuclear weapons, we will not be bound to the extent that we cannot scrap the deal for the sake of the nation.”

On concerns over nuclear sovereignty, Kalam told them India had conducted five nuclear blasts and does not need to carry out tests again and again. “We are a nuclear weapon state and we don’t need to behave like any other country. In fact, we should have been in the NSG as a nuclear weapon state. Kalam said NSG is a grouping of 45 countries and not US alone and till we develop thorium-based plants (which will take 15-20 years), any one of these particular countries can supply uranium to us,” Singh said.

Kalam’s stand gives SP a credible face-saver given its own public opposition to the deal in the past. That opposition was echoed by UNPA allies today but was certainly watered down.

Sources said the key conclusion of the UNPA meeting was to let members keep “all options open” given their regional political compulsions.

“The UNPA has decided to have a national debate on the issue of nuclear debate,” said UNPA convener and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu.

“Only after a national debate we will be able to decide whether the government should go ahead on the nuclear deal or not. It is for the government to initiate the national debate. Till July 6, we will not be able to give our clearance on this deal,” said INLD leader Om Prakash Chautala.

... contd.