1. NPT Review Conference and other Nuclear Issues
The monthlong Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) review conference began in New York on April 24. Representatives of most non-nuclear states expressed frustration at the unwillingness of the U.S. to reduce the size of its nuclear arsenal. In response, U.S. State Department spokesperson James Rubin said, "Every time there's a review conference, there are some countries who have the unrealistic notion that disarmament is something that happens overnight." An editorial in the Times of India said that, after Russian ratification of START II and the CTBT, the United States alone is hindering progress toward global nuclear disarmament.
"N-haves and have-nots to battle at UN"
"90 speakers to voice views at NPT Conference"
"Nuclear Harms" Times of India editorial
Norman Wulf, the head of the U.S. delegation to the NPT review conference, acknowledged that India's perception of a security threat from China complicates efforts to persuade India to join the NPT.
"China factor curbing India's NPT entry: U.S."
India and the U.S. "achieved common ground" regarding export controls during mid-level discussions that are intended to pave the way for another round of nuclear and security negotiations between U.S. Undersecretary of State Strobe Talbott and Indian External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh. John Shalikashvili, U.S. special advisor for the CTBT, said that the India-Pakistan border is "the most dangerous place in the world," nuclearization of South Asia made the region "less secure than before" and these tensions could be reduced if "both countries sign the CTBT." He acknowledged that U.S. President Clinton could not convince his Senate to ratify the treaty. An analysis by Amir Mateen (in The News, Pakistan) argues that competing interests within the U.S. hinder the Clinton administration's ability to negotiate with India.
"India, US achieve common ground in nuclear talks"
"'Indo-Pak tension warrants CTBT signature'"
"Tussle on between nuclear, business lobbies in US"
India's President, K.R. Narayanan, said that nuclear cooperation between India and France would be possible only after India signs the CTBT. [For more on Narayanan's visit to France, see the next section.]
"Indo-French nuclear cooperation linked to CTBT signing: Narayanan"