Indian uranium enrichment plant could raise stakes in nuclear arms race
Analysts say a possible Indian move to develop thermonuclear weapons raises the stakes in its relations with China and Pakistan
India's reported move to develop a covert uranium enrichment plant that could support the development of thermonuclear weapons could raise the stakes in a regional arms race with China and Pakistan, analysts said.
New units at the Indian Rare Metals Plant would boost India's ability to produce weapons-grade uranium to twice the amount needed for its planned nuclearpowered submarine fleet, IHS Jane's said on Friday.
The IHS findings have been corroborated by other analysts, with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) writing this month that the Mysore facility could signify India's intent to move towards thermonuclear weapons.
"Whether or not India uses the plant mainly for fuel for reactors and naval vessels as is sometimes surmised, it adds to India's already far greater advantage over Pakistan in terms of nuclear weapons production potential," said Mark Fitzpatrick, director of the non-proliferation programme at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
"It also brings India closer to matching China, which is how most Indians would probably see it."
