To silence N-deal critics, White House says India unique case

This is an effort on the part of the White House to correct misconceptions about the issue in a section of the media, intelligentsia, lawmakers and the public, officials said.

Refuting the observations that the deal will accelerate nuclear arms race in South Asia, White House said the agreement brings India into the non-proliferation mainstream and addresses its growing energy needs through increased use of nuclear energy.

On critics’ comment as to why only 14 Indian nuclear power plants were brought under the IAEA safeguards and that with the remaining eight India can continue building its nuclear arsenal, the White House said: “The understanding we have reached with India will significantly increase the number of Indian nuclear reactors under IAEA safeguards, as well as bring associated facilities under safeguards.”