The Indian Express

: L K Advani seems to have bitten off more than he can chew. While voicing his objection to the Indo-US nuclear deal this weekend, he iterated his belief in the resounding power of nuclear blasts, and refused to accept the ignominious terms of the Indo-US deal that prohibit India from further tests: a ban he cannot countenance because it would nip our nuclear military programme and compromise our strategic independence. Unfortunately, this is simply not true — the 123 agreement does not stop India from conducting a nuclear test. The Hyde Act, which

Advani quotes with such indignation, is not binding on India, and is a domestic issue to be thrashed out in the United States.

Advani also asked: “Has any other country said that hereafter we will have no further tests? Has the US given any such undertaking, has any other country which has so much nuclear weaponry said it in writing?” Yes, actually. Three of the Big Five — Britain, France and Russia — have already ratified the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). China will also if the US ratifies it, a prospect that looks more and more likely with the increasing chances of the Democrats taking back the White House and figures like Henry Kissinger and George Schulz stepping up the pressure on non-proliferation. In fact, that is precisely why India cannot stall on the Indo-US nuclear initiative endlessly: the window for India to step in from the nuclear wilderness may not be open for long.

As the leader of the opposition and the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, Advani does not need to be told about the import of his comments. If his party comes to power, they can bind him to postures that may appear less riveting than they did when he was in opposition. Political leaders are not expected to know the policy implications of every issue. But they could surround themselves with advisors who do.

editor@expressindia.com