1 January 2004
India and Pakistan exchange upgraded lists of nuclear facilities and installations under a bilateral agreement for the 13th year in succession. The list mainly covers nuclear power and research installations in both countries.
--"India, Pakistan Conduct Annual Exchange of Nuclear Facility Lists," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 1 January 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 January 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.
14 January 2004
A U.S. official says that the "Next Steps in Strategic Partnership with India" that was recently announced by President George Bush will implemented in a phased manner. "We will offer India expanded cooperation as India takes concrete steps to address our concerns, especially in the export control area. We also emphasize that we are not asking here for any changes in U.S. domestic law or our international obligations," explains the official. The official also insists that the initiative "...is not about diminishing in any way our concerns about India's nuclear weapons or domestic missile programs. We have not said anything to support India's nuclear weapons or domestic missile programs." When asked whether the United States considered India's export controls insufficient, the official says, "...one thing we have had to do over the years is to sanction Indian companies that have taken high technology goods and exported them to Iraq, for example, to the previous regime."
-- Sridhar Krishnaswami, "U.S. Wants India to Address Concerns on Export Control," The Hindu, 14 January 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 January 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
14 January 2004
Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee says that the U.S. President George W. Bush's decision to cooperate with India in civilian nuclear programs, civilian space and high technology areas is indicative of the international community's trust in India as a responsible nuclear power. The prime minister says the joint Indo-U.S. statement is for using atomic energy for peaceful purposes and to better society, and adds "it is good that he (Bush) has trust on us... the entire world knows that India will not use nuclear arms for the destruction of mankind".
--"Indian Premier Says US Nuclear Cooperation a Manifestation of Trust," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 14 January 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 January 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
21 January 2004
India's External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha meets U.S. President George Bush at the White House and says that India and the United States have "agreed to engage each other very soon on the next steps which are needed to start quickly implementing Phase I of the agreement" on cooperation in the areas of civilian nuclear, space, and high-technology. U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell seconds Sinha's statement and adds, "I am confident that we will be moving in an aggressive way and promptly."
--"India, US to Hold Talks on Nuclear, Space Initiatives, Missile Defence," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 21 January 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 21 January 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.
6 February 2004
Commenting on the pardoning of the Pakistani nuclear scientist Dr. A.Q. Khan by the Pakistani government, Indian External Minister Yashwant Sinha states that Pakistan's recent nuclear proliferation is not a matter of internal concern, but a matter of serious concern to the entire community, and asks for the matter to be debated by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
--"India Says Pakistan Nuclear Proliferation Not an Internal Matter," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 6 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 February 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
8 February 2004
Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes says that India will have a dedicated military satellite for its armed forces soon. "Considering the vastness of our country and security environment around the country and beyond, there is an inescapable need to enhance our satellite surveillance capability," says Fernandes. In addition to boosting its surveillance capabilities, India's other defense priorities include the acquisition of medium-range combat aircraft, air defense systems, command, control and communications, computers, intelligence and reconnaissance systems. India has expressed interest in acquiring advanced U.S. sensor technologies, especially in the areas of photo and radar imagery.
--"India to have dedicated military satellite for armed forces - Fernandes," Global News Wire, 8 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 10 February 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
8 February 2004
A survey of attitudes among Indian army personnel conducted for the news media organization Tehelka by the Center for the Study of Developing Societies shows that Indian soldiers are concerned about the prospects of a nuclear war. The survey of the 1,595 soldiers polled across the major five commands in India also shows that over 80 percent of the soldiers are confident that India will defeat Pakistan in the event of a war and that the country is well prepared to fight a nuclear war.
--"Indian soldiers concerned about nuclear war: survey," Xinhua General News Service, 8 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, http://web.lexis-nexis.com, 9 February 2004.
8 February 2004
Allegations surface that the Indian nuclear scientist Dr. Y.S.R. Prasad, who retired as the Chairman of India's Nuclear Power Corporation in the year 2000, served in the employ of the Iranian government. Prasad allegedly visited Iran on several occasions without obtaining clearances from the Indian government. The Iranian government apparently forwarded details concerning Dr. Prasad's employment to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the IAEA in turn requested the Indian government to debrief Dr. Prasad.
--"Indian scientist also involved in nuclear proliferation to Iran," Frontier Star, 8 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 19 May 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
9 February 2004
At a meeting in Munich, Indian National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra and Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri pledge to stop the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Both reiterate that neither India nor Pakistan will join the nonproliferation treaty, but will work alongside the international community to prevent proliferation.
--"Pakistan, India Not to Sign Non-Proliferation Treaty," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 9 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 9 February 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.
9 February 2004
Indian Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha says that Pakistan should not be singled out as a nuclear proliferator. "There are so many countries whose scientists have spread nuclear weapons knowledge and the international community must act to end the black market...I would like to say what it clearly demonstrates is that there is a flourishing black market in nuclear technology. It is not Pakistan alone which needs to be blamed for this...something will have to be done to stop this black market, especially now because the entire international community is threatened with a danger of nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorists," says Sinha.
--"India Says Pakistan Not the Only Nuclear Proliferator," Global News Bites, Frontier Star, 9 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 19 May 2004, http://web.lexis.nexis.com.
11 February 2004
India is building an undisclosed number of nuclear shelters for Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, top army commanders and other select officials. Most bunkers will be located in Delhi, Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan and will include individual units of 30 sleeping bunks, their own power and water supplies, waste disposal, fire-fighting systems and decontamination modules. The shelters will provide safety in the event of a nuclear, chemical, or biological attack.
--S.N.M. Abdi, "Taking No Chances, India Builds War Bunkers," South China Morning Post, 11 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 11 February 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
11 February 2004
India states that it was aware of illegal nuclear proliferation by Pakistan well before such activities were reported in the media. Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes calls on Pakistan to adopt more responsible behavior regarding nuclear proliferation in the future.
--"India was Aware of Pakistani Nuclear Proliferation: Defense Minister," Agence France Presse, 11 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 February 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
12 February 2004
India's External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha says that the sale of nuclear technology by A. Q. Khan is a matter of concern to the world and efforts should be made to control proliferation. He also calls India a responsible nuclear power.
--"Proliferation of Nukes by A Q Khan Matter of Concern: Sinha," Press Trust of India, 12 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 February 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
13 February 2004
Without directly naming Pakistan, India's Chief of Army Staff Gen. N. C. Vij says that a scientist cannot sell nuclear technology without the knowledge of the state and that efforts should be made to control the dangers posed by proliferation.
--"Efforts Should be Made to Control Nuke Proliferation: Indian Army Chief," Global News Bites, 13 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 19 May 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
13 February 2004
India reacts cautiously to President Bush proposals aimed at eliminating the clandestine trade in weapons of mass destruction and their related technologies. Bush's proposals, spelt out in a speech at the National Defense University, include the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), which envisages the aggressive interdiction of suspect WMD cargoes on the high-seas and in the air. The Bush administration also hopes to block the sale of nuclear fuel enrichment and reprocessing technologies to countries that currently do not possess them as well as ban the sale of civilian nuclear equipment to countries which have not signed the 'Additional Protocol' with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Commenting on Bush's proposals, an Indian official says, "we would like to make sure that we are not in any way a target for a tightened trading regime, that no ships bound for Indian ports are stopped...in other words, we have to be sure that India is part of the enforcers, not the enforced." Indian officials are also reluctant to sign the Additional Protocol as this would require India to open up its nuclear weapons facilities to IAEA inspection.
--"India lukewarm to Bush's nuke plans," Economic Times, 13 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 February 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
15 February 2004
In the light of revelations concerning Pakistani nuclear scientist Dr. A.Q. Khan's proliferation activities, the Indian government is investigating allegations that retired Indian scientists are working in the employ of the Libyan government. Many of these scientists are believed to be former Indian Space & Research Organization staffers who were lured to Libya by the prospects of monetary gains. India's Ambassador to Libya Dinkar Srivastava says that many of them were possibly involved in "high technology programs." The Libyan government apparently kept their passports upon arrival and then whisked them away to secret facilities. Although Libya has assured the Indian government that all the projects in question were civilian projects, the Indian government is considering instituting a system of a personal bond from each employee that would prevent him or her from seeking employment for five years after retirement.
--"India Mulls Restrictions on Scientists Over Alarm at Libya Links," Agence France Presse, 15 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 15 February 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
17 February 2004
Indian External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha rejects the European Union's help in resolving differences between India and Pakistan stating that while India is grateful for such offers, the issues are best solved bilaterally. Sinha adds that it will not be difficult for India and Pakistan to reach an agreement on the time-frame, detailed agenda and the level of talks.
--Amit Baruah, "India, Pakistan Can Reach Accord, Says Sinha," The Hindu, 17 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 17 February 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
17 February 2004
In his inaugural address to the 'International Conclave on Buddhism and Spiritual Tourism' Indian President Abdul Kalam says, "If every nation possessing nuclear weapons decides to dismantle completely, we will be the first do so." He further states, "At no time, we will use them, unless someone uses against us."
--"Indian Missile Man Speaks of Scrapping Nukes," Pakistan Press International Information Services, 17 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 19 February 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
17 February 2004
Pakistani officials disclose that Pakistan has asked India to negotiate an agreement to lower the threat of a nuclear or conventional war, and to scale back the arms race between the two countries. A Pakistani foreign ministry official says the peace proposal calls for both countries to "negotiate the threshold for minimum deterrence...there should not be an open-ended arms race for strategic or conventional arms. It also aims to limit the risk of a nuclear conflict and a missile race."
--"Pakistan Proposes Nuclear and Conventional Pact with India," Pakistan Press International Services, 17 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 19 February 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
18 February 2004
A study undertaken the Washington DC-based Stimson Center predicts that a five kiloton nuclear explosion in the Indian city of Mumbai could cause approximately 95,000 initial casualties that could ultimately increase to 800,000. In addition, an attack by a radiological dispersion device on the Pakistani city of Karachi would be a national catastrophe. In this regard, a few grams of Cesium-137 would be sufficient to halt Pakistan's economic growth. "The area contaminated by a dirty bomb attack would be very expansive. Even the equivalent of two paper-clips worth of certain radioactive substances could, if used effectively, impair the heart of major cities for many years, with immense psychological and economic impacts," the study says. The Stimson Center recommends that both India and Pakistan establish nuclear risk reduction centers that could serve as focal points for notifications and communications regardless of India and Pakistan's state of bilateral relations.
--"India and Pakistan should urgently shake up nuclear CBMs: Study," Press Trust of India, 18 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 18 February 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
22 February 2004
Indian officials reject U.S. insinuations that India might be a problem proliferation case. Citing the employment of the retired Indian nuclear scientist Y.S.R. Prasad by the Iranian government, the officials suggest that Prasad is an expert in nuclear power engineering and worked on Iran's Bushehr nuclear power project which is under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards.
--Manoj Joshi, "Indo-Iran ties may hurt good friend US," Times of India, 22 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 22 February 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
22 February 2004
U.S. court records show that South African businessman Asher Karni, who worked as a middleman in the nuclear black market, tried to procure dual-use goods and items for both India and Pakistan. Karni exchanged e-mails with Raghavendra 'Ragu' Rao of the Bangalore-based Foretek Marketing (Pvt.) Ltd. Rao allegedly tried to procure accelerometers for the Liquid Propulsion Systems Center and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center and asked Karni to conceal the identity of the final customer as exports of accelerometers are restricted due to their potential uses in the guidance systems of missiles.
--"Bangalore firm drawn into n-web," Times of India, 22 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 22 February 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
23 February 2004
In response to illicit sales of Pakistani nuclear technology to Iran, Libya, and North Korea, Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee states, "On the one side, nonproliferation talks are going on. On the other, clandestinely transfer of nuclear technology to other countries has taken place. We have taken serious note of it. We are taking all steps necessary to safeguard the country's security." He adds, "We are confident that under the UN supervision, a system will be successfully evolved to ensure that there is no room for such proliferation."
--"India Has Taken Note of Export of Nuke Tech from Pak: Vajpayee," Frontier Star, 23 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 May 19, 2004, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.
24 February 2004
Indian Finance Minister Jaswant Singh says that India's record of safety and security of its nuclear program is better than that of several advanced countries. Singh states, "It is internationally recognized that management of our nuclear programme and its safety and security are much better than all or several of the so called P-5 countries."
--"India's Nuke Safety Record Better than Many Advanced Countries," Press Trust of India, 24 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 25 February 2004, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.
27 February 2004
The chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission praises India for the safety measures at its nuclear power plants. "What we have observed is that Indian power plants have made remarkable improvements in power capacity," says Richard A. Meserve.
--Beth Duff-Brown, "American scientists praise India's safety regulations," Associated Press, 27 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 February 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
29 February 2004
At a meeting in New Delhi, Secretary of the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, Hasan Rohani attempts to garner Indian support for Iran in the upcoming board meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. India is on the 35 member IAEA board and has assured Tehran that it will advocate fresh engagements with Iran rather than the imposition of fresh strictures against it.
--"India's Sinha Meets Iran's Khatami, Kharzai," The Telegraph, Kolkata, 29 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 29 February 2004, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.
1 March 2004
In light of A.Q. Khan's illicit transfer of nuclear technology to Iran, Libya, and North Korea,
the Chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission says that is unlikely that such transfers could happen from India. Kakodkar says, "our installations are very secure." In view of the rising concerns about terrorism, Kakodkar adds, "there is a scare about terrorism, but there need be no fear on that count here."
--Ramola Talwar Badam, "India's Nuclear Chief Says the Country's Atomic Facilities are Safe from Terrorists," Associated Press, 1 March 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 March 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.
4 March 2004
Russia and India express mutual satisfaction at the pace of construction of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant, which is expected to be completed in 2007. India is interested in having Russia construct two more power plants. Russian Deputy Atomic Energy Minister, Vladmir Asmolov, says that India should be more active in its discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
--"Indian-Russian Nuclear Project on Schedule - Official," BBC Monitoring Reports, 4 March 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 4 March 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.
7 March 2004
At the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Trilateral Commission Meeting, the three countries express their dissatisfaction with the "serious inadequacies" in the "implementation of and compliance with" nonproliferation and disarmament by NPT member States such as Iran and Libya. Indian External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha states that IBSA would "intensify their cooperation at the IAEA and other forums to ensure unimpeded growth and development of peaceful use of atomic energy under appropriate safeguards."
--Siddharth Varadarajan, "India, Brazil, S. Africa Bloc Forges Ahead," Economic Times, 7 March 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 March 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.
12 March 2004
In an address before the 'India Today Conclave 2004' India's External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha declares that India is a "mature" nuclear power and takes the responsibilities stemming from that capability "very seriously." "It was the imposition of an imperfect nonproliferation order, evidence of which is all around us, that compelled us to make the transition from nuclear abstinence to that of a reluctant nuclear power," says Sinha. He adds, "...in a world where weapons of mass destruction are still to be eliminated, nuclear weapons sadly remain the ultimate guarantor of a nation's security." Sinha reiterates India's commitment to a complete and universal elimination of nuclear weapons and expresses willingness to enter into negotiations for a fissile material cut-off treaty. He also insists that although India is not a member of the nuclear nonproliferation treaty, "...we [India] believe in and uphold the broader nonproliferation goals of the treaty, for its frailties and drawbacks affect us as well."
--"India - A "Mature" Nuclear Power, Says Foreign Minister," Press Trust of India, 12 March 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 March 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.
12 March 2004
Indian External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha in Delhi and his Pakistani Foreign Minister Khrushid Kasuri Islamabad appeal for their countries to be fully accepted as nuclear powers. Both ministers call for changes in the Non-Proliferation Treaty to accept India and Pakistan as nuclear weapons states. Sinha says "nuclear weapons are sadly the ultimate guarantor of a nation's security."
--"India, Pakistan Each Call for Recognition as Nuclear Powers," Agency France Presse, 12 March 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 March 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.
16 March 2004
Indian officials indicate that the Indian government will raise the issue of proliferation from Pakistan during U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell's forthcoming visit to New Delhi. In this regard, India will seek assurances that such proliferation activities have ended and will not be repeated in the future. On the issue of export controls, the officials suggest that New Delhi is cognizant of U.S. concerns about Indian export controls; but that India is addressing the issue out of its own concerns. With regard to the U.S. Proliferation Security Initiative, the officials claim that India has neither asked nor been approached by the United States to join the initiative.
--"India to raise n-proliferation, outsourcing issues with Powell," Hindu, 16 March 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 March 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
16 March 2004
After his meeting with India's External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha in New Delhi, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell tells reporters that he will query Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf whether Pakistani officials were complicit in aiding the Dr. A.Q. Khan in proliferating nuclear weapons technologies to Iran, Libya, and North Korea. The question is "who else was involved in that network, was involved within past Pakistani governments or anything that might be taking place of a continuing nature," says Powell. He also adds, "...we can't be satisfied until this entire network is gone, branch and root."
--George Gedda, "Powell, in India, says Pakistan's nuclear smuggling must stop," Associated Press, 16 March 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 17 March 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
18 March 2004
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell indicates that the United States would like India to join the U.S.-led Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), which aims at interdicting proliferation trade on the high seas. "We would like to see India participate in the PSI...we decided that we would have our staffs engage on this with respect to understanding the interdiction principles associated with PSI and how India might contribute to it. So we are going to increase the dialogue with respect to possible Indian participation," says Powell. India's External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha also tells reporters that officials from both countries will engage in negotiations "with a view to finding out how India could engage in this full process."
--Siddharth Varadarajan, "US for India hand in proliferation initiative," Times of India, 18 March 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 17 March 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
28 March 2004
The former Chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission M.R. Srinivasan conjectures that with other powers moving away from nuclear-based power production systems, India could emerge as a nuclear-power production center. India has developed the capability to deliver economically priced nuclear power and 13 nuclear reactors currently function at 90% of their capacity. India also has very large reserves of thorium. Srinivasan says that for some reason the Indian government embarked on a nuclear holiday during the period 1990-1997. However, India's Nuclear Power Corporation is now working on commissioning 700MW reactors, an endeavor that would place India among the leading nations in the use of heavy water reactor technology.
--"India Can Become a Nuclear-Power Production Centre," The Hindu, 28 March 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 March 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
31 March 2004
In his testimony before the House International Relations Committee, Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security John Bolton states that "as part of expanded cooperation, India will undertake meaningful steps to improve its export controls systems, and work with the U.S. in pursuit of shared nonproliferation goals." However, "consistent with its obligations under U.S. law and constitutional commitments, the United States is offering no assistance to India's nuclear weapons or missile programs."
--"India to Undertake "Meaningful Steps" Under NPT Goals," Press Trust of India, 31 March 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 31 March 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
8 April 2004
In a joint statement, India and Russia condemn terrorism and agree to deepen their counter-terrorism cooperation, including the threat of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction posed by terrorist organizations. Both sides agree to continue consultations on the 'Comprehensive Convention Against Acts of Nuclear Terrorism'.
--"India, Russia Agree to Deepen Anti-Terror Cooperation," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 8 April 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 9 April 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
13 April 2004
India reiterates that it has no intentions to sign the 'Additional Protocol' to the safeguards agreements already signed with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Addressing the 40th Munich Conference on Security, India's National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra states, "There is a wider question of multilateral approaches to the security issues of today. Approaches to security based on conventional alliances, arms competition, deterrence and diplomacy have been less effective in coping with the challenges posed by terrorism, suicide attacks, weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and failing states. Asia, both as source and destination, has witnessed the proliferation of WMD. Extraordinary measures are being contemplated to guarantee security from these challenges. A multilateral consultative machinery with international credibility can provide legitimacy to such measures. But for it to be effective, it has to be evolved with wide and representative consultations. I would also add that clubbing partners against proliferation with countries of true proliferation is a self-defeating approach, which can only weaken the cause of genuine nonproliferation."
--Amit Baruah, "India Not to Sign NPT-Related Additional Protocol," The Hindu, 13 April 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 April 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
21 April 2004
India accepts Pakistan's proposal to conduct talks on nuclear confidence building measures. The negotiations are expected to take place in Islamabad on May 25-26.
--"Nuclear CMBS: India Agrees on Holding Talks with Pakistan," Frontier Star, 21 April 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>, 21 April 2005.
22 April 2004
U.S. President George W. Bush claims that U.S. and British shuttle diplomacy prevented India and Pakistan from going to war with one another. "2001 was the year that we had shuttle diplomacy to convince Pakistan and India not to go to war with each other," says Bush. He adds, "...Powell went, and then Straw went from Britain, and then Armitage went, and then whoever his equivalent is from Britain went, with the idea of talking everybody down."
--Anwar Iqbal, "Bush: We Prevented India, Pakistan War," United Press International, 22 April 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 23 April 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
30 April 2004
Dr. Baldev Raj is appointed director of Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam. He replaces retiring director S.B. Boje.
--"New director of Indian atomic research center appointed," Global News wire: BBC Monitoring/BBC," 30 April 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 30 April 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
29 May 2004
Pakistani Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali calls Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to reiterate his government's resolve to bring peace between the two countries and resume dialogue. Singh responds positively to Jamali's overture. Expert-level dialogue between the two countries is scheduled for May 25-26 but was stalled due to change of the Indian government.
--"Pakistan Reiterates Resolve to Make Peace with India," Xinhua News Service, 30 May 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 30 May 2004,http://www.lexis-nexis.com.
2 June 2004
Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh calls on China and Pakistan to adopt a "common nuclear doctrine." While China refrains from any comment, Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Masood Khan states that it "looks like a new and innovative proposal which needs further and deeper examination."
--"India Sets Dovish Tone with Pakistan, China in Call for Nuclear Coordination," Agence France Presse, 2 June 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 3 June 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
5 June 2004
The director of the Kudankulam nuclear power project says that the participation of Russian specialists in the construction of the plant "guarantees high-quality of work." Approximately 300 Russian contractors are currently actively engaged in the project.
--"India: Russian help guarantees "high quality" work in nuclear power plant," BBC Monitoring, 6 June 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 June 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
8 June 2004
U.S. State Department Director of Policy Planning Mitchell B. Reiss urges India to place its nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. Referring to India and Pakistan, Reiss adds, "We have urged both parties to maintain their nuclear moratoria, to refrain from assembling or deploying nuclear weapons, and to bring an early end to the production of fissile materials so as to avoid a costly and destabilizing arms race."
--"India Asked to Place Nuclear Facilities under IAEA Safeguards," Press Trust of India, 6 June 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 June 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
10 June 2004
India expects to give priority to nuclear confidence-building measures in its upcoming talks with Pakistan. In a statement to BBC World's Hardtalk program Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh says, "To me personally, the most important thing on our agenda should be the nuclear dimension because when we (Congress) remitted office in 1996, we (India) were not a nuclear power."
--"Priority Given to Nuclear CBMs in Talks, Says India," The Nation, 10 June 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 November 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
12 June 2004
"Berkeley Nucleonics Corporation" (BNC), an American company, is fined U.S.$ 300,000 for exporting a nuclear component to the Bhaba Atomic Research Center in India. The company shipped a pulse generator, a device that emits bursts of electricity and is used for calibrating radar or nuclear instruments and sometimes used in military applications. BNC was indicted in August 2001 on one count of conspiracy and six counts of violating export administration regulations.
--"US Company Fined for Selling Nuclear Tech Components to India," Press Trust of India, 12 June 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 June 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
12 June 2004
A Dubai-based 35-year old Indian businessman, Akhtar Hussain Qutbuldin Ahmed, is deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Mumbai, India for allegedly trying to sell secrets related to India's nuclear program to diplomatic missions of a number of undisclosed countries. The arrest comes at the end of a two-year surveillance operation mounted by the UAE police. Intelligence agencies suspect that Akhtar likely procured secrets about India's nuclear program from his nuclear-scientist brother.
--"Indian businessman arrested in Dubai allegedly selling nuclear secrets deported," PTI, 12 June 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 June 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
18 June 2004
A six-member high-level Pakistani delegation arrives in India to discuss nuclear confidence-building measures. The two sides are expected to continue talks on the basis of the 1999 Memorandum of Understanding, according to which the two countries agreed to a unilateral moratorium on nuclear tests "unless either side, in exercise of its national sovereignty decides extraordinary events have jeopardized its supreme interests." During the upcoming talks, the two sides will engage in bilateral consultations on security, disarmament and nonproliferation issues.
--"Pak Delegation Arrives for Talks on Nuclear CBMs," Press Trust of India, 18 June 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 18 June 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
20 June 2004
India and Pakistan decide to establish a hotline between their foreign secretaries as a confidence-building measure on nuclear issues, and in an effort to avert misunderstandings and reduce risks with regard to nuclear issues. Both countries also plan to continue bilateral discussions to work towards the implementation of the 1999 Lahore Memorandum of Understanding. They also decide to conclude an Agreement with technical parameters on pre-notification of flight testing missiles.
--"Indian Spokesperson Describes Foreign Secretary Nuclear Hotline," BBC Monitoring South Asia, 20 June 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 June 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
22 June 2004
At a two-day conference on International Nonproliferation organized by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Mohammad El Baradei, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency states that, "Any new adjustment to the (Nonproliferation Treaty) regime must include India, Pakistan and Israel at the negotiating table. Without their inclusion in and commitment to the broad nonproliferation and security reform, our efforts will fail."
--"Any Adjustment to NPT Must Include India, Pak, and Israel," Press Trust of India, 22 June 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 22 June 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
23 June 2004
India is allegedly negotiating the lease of two nuclear submarines with Russia. It is also making indigenous efforts to develop a miniaturized nuclear propulsion system to be installed in its submarines.
--"New Indian Naval Doctrine Says Nuclear Submarines 'Essential,'" PTI News Agency, New Delhi, 23 June 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 23 June 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
28 June 2004
India and Pakistan agree to continue with a sustained and serious dialogue. Both approve the nuclear confidence building measures recommended by the experts who met in New Delhi on 19th and 20th June of 2004.
--"India, Pakistan agree to continue with a sustained dialogue to find peaceful settlement on Kashmir," Asia Pulse, 28 June 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 30 June 2004, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
