A Non-Proliferation Reality Check

The civil nuclear and non-proliferation elements of the July 18 India-US joint statement have been hailed by the leaders of the two countries as a historic transformation of the strategic relationship. But, often things do not turn to be what they first appear to be especially when they are presented by high government officials eager to justify controversial decisions. A critical examination of the agreement shows that the purported international nonproliferation benefits are vastly overstated, while the potential for damage is high.