NPT at a crossroads
(From The Japan Times Oct. 9 issue)

核不拡散条約、米印原子力協定で岐路に

The U.S. Congress has approved a nuclear deal between the United States and India that will allow the United States to export nuclear fuel, reactors and technologies for peaceful energy use to India. The agreement, which went into effect Oct. 8 when signed by President George W. Bush, is virtual recognition of India as a nuclear-weapons state, thus undermining the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty regime set up in 1970.

The five nuclear-weapons states that are parties to the NPT — the United States, Russia, Britain, France and China — are not to assist non-NPT nations in developing nuclear power. India never signed the NPT but exploded nuclear devices in 1974 and 1998. The 1974 nuclear test prompted the formation of the Nuclear Suppliers Group to control the trade in nuclear technologies and materials with a view toward preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

But in September, the NSG's 45 member nations, including Japan, unanimously agreed to give a waiver to India. Japan agreed to grant the exemption on the condition that India continue to observe its nuclear test moratorium pledge. But the agreement approved by the U.S. Congress contains no clause that halts nuclear trade with India if the latter resumes nuclear testing. In August, India agreed to open up 14 reactors for civilian use to International Atomic Energy Agency inspection. But its eight other reactors are not subject to such inspection.

The United States apparently wanted the deal to expand its nuclear business and to achieve the strategic purpose of having India serve as a counterbalance to China. Although some people may opine that the deal somehow brings India into nonproliferation efforts, it could be regarded as representing a double standard on the part of the United States. As a result, the opposition to nuclear development by North Korea and Iran could lose its moral authority.

France signed a similar deal with India toward the end of September and Pakistan wants similar treatment from the United States. This puts the NPT at a crossroads. Nations concerned should act cautiously to preserve the NPT regime.

対インド核関連輸出を解禁する原子力法案を米議会が承認した。これはインドの核兵器保有の承認に等しく、核不拡散条約（NPT）を損なうものだ。

核分野の輸出管理に取り組む原子力供給国グループ（NSG）はインドの例外扱いを承認したが、米議会承認の法案には核実験再開時の原子力貿易中止の条項はない。インドがIAEAの査察を受け入れるのも原子炉22箇所のうち一部だ。

米はインドとの戦略的関係で中国の力を相殺したい考えだが、米側の二重基準は、北朝鮮やイランへの核開発反対の倫理的権威を脅かす。

NPT体制維持のためには関係各国の慎重な行動が要される。