During a discussion with the Canadian embassy counselor, U.S. country desk director David Schneider opined that Indian was unlikely to test a device in the ânear futureâ but he wanted Ottawaâs prognosis. Schneider was also interested in whether the Soviets, with their close relationship with India, might be able to use their influence to âdeterâ a test. If India tested, the U.S. could respond with a âstrong statement,â but whether âpunitiveâ measures would be taken would depend on whether the test âviolated existing agreements.â In October 1970, the State Department had cautioned the Indians that a âpeaceful nuclear explosionâ was indistinguishable from a weapons test and that the test of a nuclear device would be incompatible with U.S.-Indian nuclear assistance agreements.
