Russia and India on December 5, 2008, signed landmark agreements on issues ranging from nuclear energy to space exploration, as President Dmitry Medvedev met Indian leaders in a bid to bolster up associations. The agreements addressed the construction of four new nuclear energy reactors in Kudankulam in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, a cooperation agreement on a space flight manned by Indian astronauts, and a contract for Russia to supply 80 MI-17V-5 helicopters for the Indian Army.

In an announcement, the two countries concluded to hasten projects for joint development and production of Multi-Role Transport Aircraft and Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft and increase mutual trade volume to $10 billion by 2010…

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Unlike what Democrats may believe, there is a lot more to John McCain’s energy program than only drilling for oil. And unlike what McCain has been alleging on the campaign trail, where he projects the construction of 45 nuclear plants by 2030, Barack Obama does not “oppose the use of nuclear power.”

Both men support nuclear energy, although to differing degrees, as part of their scheme to wean the United States from its addiction on foreign oil.

While McCain includes the building of atomic reactors among his preferred options to obtain more energy, Obama assigns a higher priority to developing renewable sources like solar, wind and biofuels and increasing efficiency in the consumption of existing sources.

According to Obama, nuclear power should be in the mix when it comes to energy. However, he is quick to add that he does not think that it is the optimal source of energy, because the US still has to figure out how to store the waste safely or recycle the waste.     Meanwhile, on his campaign website, McCain believes that “nuclear power is a proven, zero-emission source of energy, and it is time we recommit” to expanding its use.    He further argues that it is critical that the U.S. be able to build the components for these plants and reactors within our own country so that we are not dependent on foreign suppliers with long wait times.    Because nuclear energy is virtually carbon neutral, some environmentalists who opposed its use are more open to it.

Elgie Holstein, an adviser to Obama on energy issues, charged the McCain campaign of misrepresenting Obama’s position on nuclear power.

“Some specific proposals that Sen. McCain has made are troubling,” Holstein said, because of the problems of storage and reprocessing, and the issue of non-proliferation of nuclear fuel.

Obama is from Illinois, which has more nuclear reactors than any other state, and during the Democratic primary season drew fire from rivals for donations he had received from the company that operates those reactors.

In his acceptation speech in Denver, Obama vowed that as president would “find ways to safely harness nuclear power.”

McCain reiterated his support for nuclear power in the first two presidential argumentations, and criticized Obama.

On the campaign trail, McCain has repeatedly cited France as a model for the evolution of nuclear power in the United States.

In France, 59 atomic power plants generate nearly 80 percent of the country’s electricity, helping to reduce carbon emissions and producing a surplus that has made France one of the largest net electricity exporters in the world.

In France, the government controls both the building of nuclear power plants and the generation and distribution of electricity.

In campaign speeches, McCain also estimates that his program to build nuclear reactors would “provide 700,000 jobs for American workers.”

In large part because of safety concerns, the two candidates disagree on whether the federal government should build a nuclear storage facility at Yucca Mountain, Nev., about 90 miles north of Las Vegas.

McCain favors the proposal. Obama opposes it, arguing that a better solution is to continue to store nuclear waste at the reactors “until we find a safe, long-term disposal solution that is based on sound science.”

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Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Sunday that Russia is set to assist his country in developing nuclear energy; something which is raising eyebrows in the U.S. as an increasingly close relationship develops between Moscow and Caracas.

Chavez stated that he received and accepted an officer from Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to assist Venezuela in building a nuclear reactor.

“Russia is ready to support Venezuela in the development of nuclear energy with peaceful purposes and we already have a commission working on it,” Chavez said. “We are interested in developing nuclear energy.”

The offer of Russian assistance came in a meeting last week in Novo-Ogaryovo. Putin offered no specifics as to the assistance offered to Venezuela, but it fits with the pattern of Russia establishing itself as a provider of nuclear power plants to developing countries. 

Since last month’s war with Georgia, Russia has increased cooperation with Venezuela, further damaging the nation’s relations with western nations, especially the U.S.

A Russian naval squadron has set sail for the Caribbean to prepare for joint naval exercises -planned for later this year, a move which could not help but appear like saber rattling following the deployment of U.S. warships to deliver aid to Georgia.

This represents the largest naval deployment by Russia in the Caribbean since the cold war.

Chavez states that Venezuela’s stronger ties with Russia will help to establish a multi-polar world; something both nations state as an objective - both nations are opposed to what they see as global domination by the United States.

Venezuela has purchased or agreed to purchase over $4.4 billion in weaponry from Russia, including firearms, helicopters and fighter jets. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has also offered Venezuela a loan to buy additional military equipment.

Chavez argues that developing nations have a right to develop nuclear technology and has been a staunch supporter of Tehran’s nuclear program, despite widespread fear that the Iranian government may be working towards building nuclear weapons.

Chavez had already expressed interest in buying a nuclear reactor from Argentina and  working with countries including Iran to research and develop nuclear energy before accepting Russia’s offer.

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