Former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, one of the principal figures behind the May 1998 nuclear tests that shook the world, wants the country to "go ahead" with the civil nuclear deal with the United States.
Abdul Kalam, in an interview, sought to play down fears that the deal would compromise national security. "We can at any time withdraw [from the deal]," he said.
It was the first time that Abdul Kalam, who was among a handful of top scientists present at the site of the nuclear tests in Pokhran on May 11 and 13, has spoken out in favour of the deal that has been the subject of intense debate and political controversy in India.
Abdul Kalam, who was chief of the Defence Research and Development Organisation at the time, was feted as a national hero though the tests drew worldwide censure. A decade later, he asserts the tests were a step in the right direction and a very satisfying experience personally. Here are excerpts from the interview:
You once said that "unless India stands up to the world, no one will respect us. In this world, fear has no place. Only strength respects strength". Do you still believe in this maxim?
abdul Kalam: Yes. The philosophy of strength respecting strength is valid any time, as long as the earth orbits around the sun.
Ten years later, do you think the nuclear tests were a good idea? It did polarise the world and there were economic sanctions against India.
Yes. I think so. If one looks back, we faced technological and economic sanctions after 1998 but it also brought the realisation that "we can do it."
Scientists in diverse disciplines have worked for self-reliance and achieved success with the cryogenic engine, the flight control system for the LCA (light combat aircraft) and carbide fuel processing in the nuclear field. Similarly, the industry and service sectors have shown marked growth and our economy has been on the ascendant from 2003. World leaders converged on India. It has been consistently growing at 8 to 9 per cent. All this clearly shows that our decision was a landmark decision for the country.
Should the government go ahead with the civilian nuclear deal with the US? Do you share the view that it compromises India's sovereignty?
We should go ahead with the civilian nuclear deal. It does not compromise our sovereignty. We can at any time withdraw, if any national security need arises in future.
You are widely regarded as the central figure in India's drive to join the small club of nuclear-armed nations. Where do you see India in another 10 years?
We will see India as a developed nation. Those below the poverty line will be virtually zero. The literacy level could go beyond 90 per cent. There will be employment opportunity for all, both in the urban and rural areas.
You have never hidden your passion for a powerful India. Do you count the 1998 tests as one of the memorable moments in your career?
The launch of the SLV3 in 1980 to put the Rohini satellite in orbit using an indigenous rocket system was a big moment. The launch of the Agni missile in 1989 was another high. The adoption of the "Vision 2020" document was also memorable as was the country's march into the nuclear weapons club in 1998.
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