Opposition questions Indo-U.S. nuke deal

NEW DELHI, April 27 (UPI) -- The proposed Indo-U.S. pact requiring India to agree in writing to never test nuclear weapons is unacceptable, Indian opposition officials say.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Lal Krishna Advani said Sunday the agreement would mark the first time such a widespread stance has been taken on nuclear proliferation, the Press Trust of India reported.

"Has any other country said that hereafter we will have no further tests?" Advani said. "Has (the United States) given any such undertaking; has any other country which has so much nuclear weaponry said it in writing?

"It is one thing to voluntarily give it up but to say it in writing as part of a treaty is another."

Advani also denied his party engages in dynastic politics such as other Indian political groups, citing former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as an example.

The opposition leader told the Press Trust that while Vajpayee was born the son of a school teacher, open BJP policies allowed him to reach one of the country's top positions.