The spectre of nuclear conflict, once again 

1. Leaders' Remarks on Nuclear Threats

Emmanuel Macron

• Macron's stark warnings about the possibility of nuclear annihilation, stemming from Russia's actions, have resonated across Europe.
• He emphasizes the changing nature of Russia following its involvement in Ukraine and Vladimir Putin's explicit nuclear threats, urging European nations to take heed.
• Macron's statements carry weight given France's substantial nuclear arsenal, now one of the world's largest.
• Against the backdrop of escalating tensions in Ukraine, the spectre of nuclear warfare no longer seems remote.
• Macron plans to address these concerns at an upcoming meeting of the European Political Community in July.
• These remarks underscore a troubling resurgence of nuclear brinkmanship reminiscent of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The absence of influential global leaders exacerbates the situation, intensifying fears amid economic instability worldwide.
• The shrinking nuclear fuse, coupled with advancements in weaponry, heightens the risk of a catastrophic conflict.

Vladimir Putin

• During Moscow's Victory Day Parade, Putin asserted that Russia's nuclear forces remain on high alert, warning against Western provocations.
• Russia's withdrawal from the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty in 2023 has further strained international nuclear norms, eliciting strong condemnation.
• Meanwhile, China's military expansion, including the development of advanced nuclear capabilities, adds another layer of concern.
• Recent advancements in China's naval capabilities, such as the completion of sea trials for an aircraft supercarrier, underscore its growing assertiveness on the global stage.

2. U.S.-India Relations Nuclear Deal

• A recent academic discourse at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, delved into the transformative impact of the U.S.-India civil nuclear deal (2005-08) on bilateral relations.
• Attended by delegates from both nations, the discussion highlighted the deal's far-reaching implications, not only in nuclear matters but also in broader aspects of U.S.-India ties.
• While the focus remained on the bilateral dynamics, the discourse subtly hinted at the deal's relevance to contemporary global disputes.
• At the outset, the negotiation between India and the U.S. represented a convergence of divergent nuclear stances.
• India, having abstained from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), faced international sanctions following its nuclear tests in 1998.
• The U.S.-India nuclear deal facilitated India's integration into the global nuclear framework by removing longstanding barriers.
• India consented to segregate its nuclear program into civilian and military sectors, ensuring permanent safeguards in exchange for uninterrupted fuel supplies.
• Moreover, India committed to compliance with certain export control regulations and voluntarily refrained from nuclear testing.
• In reciprocation, the U.S. revised domestic legislation, notably the Hyde Act and the 123 Agreements, to enable the deal's implementation.
• Additionally, the U.S. lobbied the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to relax nuclear restrictions on India.
• Subsequently, concerted efforts led to the formulation of an India-Specific Safeguards Agreement by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), elevating India's nuclear status akin to that of a nuclear weapon state under the NPT.
• The Hoover discourse underscored how strategic negotiations, coupled with legislative adjustments, fostered a paradigm shift in U.S.-India relations.
• The diplomatic breakthrough not only facilitated India's nuclear mainstreaming but also laid the groundwork for enhanced bilateral cooperation across various domains.