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Unleashing the Civil Nuclear Deal: A New Era in India-US Cooperation
Context:
The civil nuclear deal between India and the US, signed in 2007, remains unrealised after nearly two decades. US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan, during his visit to India, emphasised Washington’s intent to finalise steps to remove regulatory hurdles hindering nuclear collaboration. This marks a significant step toward enabling India to access advanced nuclear technologies and fostering deeper bilateral ties.
Necessary Reforms by the US to Materialise the India-US Nuclear Deal:
Sullivan announced that the US is working to eliminate longstanding regulations preventing civil nuclear cooperation between Indian nuclear entities and American companies. These reforms aim to:
- Ease Access to US Nuclear Technology: Previously restricted technologies for reprocessing plutonium and enriching uranium will now be more accessible to India.
- Streamline Cooperation: Regulatory reforms will create a pathway for entities on the US restricted list to resume engagement with Indian counterparts.
- Complete Formal Paperwork: Finalising agreements to unleash the full potential of the civil nuclear partnership.
Need for the Reforms:
- India’s Rising Demand for Nuclear Energy: India aims to rapidly expand its nuclear energy capacity to meet growing energy demands while pursuing decarbonisation goals. Nuclear energy is seen as critical to balancing development and sustainability.
- Current Regulatory Barriers: Stringent US regulations have delayed progress, preventing India from purchasing nuclear reactors and accessing dual-use technologies. These barriers are inconsistent with the commitments made during the deal.
- Strengthening Strategic Ties: Reforms will address historical frictions and deepen India-US collaboration in sensitive technological domains.
About the Nuclear Deal and Its Benefits:
- Key Features of the 2007 Nuclear Deal
- Allowed India to buy dual-use nuclear technologies, equipment, and materials.
- Facilitated India’s access to civilian nuclear fuel and technology from other countries, enhancing its energy security.
- Benefits of the Deal
- Energy Security: Supports India’s energy transition goals by diversifying energy sources.
- Technology Access: Enables India to acquire cutting-edge technologies, boosting its nuclear and scientific capabilities.
- Global Standing: Positions India as a key player in the global nuclear energy market.
Issues According to the US Leading to the Deal’s Non-Progress:
- India’s Non-Signatory Status to the NPT: The US remains wary of India not joining the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
- Unfulfilled Commitments: As per the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, India has delayed implementing its obligations, particularly purchasing US nuclear reactors.
- Strategic Trust Deficit: Historical friction and regulatory challenges have slowed progress.
Impacts of the Regulations:
- Hindered Bilateral Cooperation: Restrictive policies have limited US-India collaboration in civil nuclear technology.
- Missed Economic Opportunities: Delays in implementing the deal have curtailed economic gains for both nations, including potential reactor purchases and infrastructure development.
- Energy Constraints for India: Prolonged inaccessibility to US technologies affects India’s nuclear energy expansion plans.
India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership:
- Strengthening Collaboration: PM Modi hailed the growing India-US partnership, emphasising cooperation in technology, defence, space, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.
- The ICET Initiative: Launched two years ago, the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (ICET) facilitates joint efforts in:
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- Jet engine development.
- Semiconductor and clean energy technologies.
- AI, quantum computing, and wireless telecom advancements.
Notably, ICET is also paving the way for an Indian astronaut to venture into space, symbolising deeper trust and shared aspirations.
- Broader Impact: Indian private sector investments in the US, surpassing those of China, highlight the growing economic interdependence between the two democracies, contributing to 400,000 American jobs.
