US Lifts Restrictions on Indian Nuclear Entities

Context:

The United States Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) had lifted its restrictions on three Indian nuclear entities, which was imposed during the Cold War era: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR) and Indian Rare Earths (IRE).

• Objective: It is hoped that the removal would be a catalyst in enhancing cooperation among the Indian nuclear institutions and the companies of the U.S., so that civilian nuclear technology can start flowing into the country.

Background and Statements

• Jake Sullivan Speech: US National Security Adviser announced to remove the norms at IIT-Delhi speech that have, since long, held back the country in enforcing the 2008 civil nuclear agreement.

2008 Civil Nuclear Agreement

The US-India 2008 civil nuclear agreement allows India to purchase civilian nuclear power and fuel on the basis of the 123 Agreement. Both India’s Minister of Finance Mr. Pranab Mukherjee and USA’s Secretary Ms. Condoleezza Rice signed the contract on October 10, 2008.

Advantages created by the Contract

• Energy safety
  • India gained the opportunity for energy security supply
• Environmental Steadiness
  • it is possible for India to start a clean-energy source
• Technology Transfer
  • India will have access to civilian nuclear technology and fuel in the US
• Nuclear Trade
  • India may emerge as a reliable partner for nuclear trade
• International Cooperation
  • India will engage in cooperation with the US as well as other countries on civil nuclear energy
• Key provisions of the agreement
  • India agreed that inspectors from IAEA will have access to its civilian nuclear program.
  • India agreed to follow international guidelines for exports of nuclear and missiles.
  • India agreed to continue its self imposed moratorium on nuclear testing.
  • India agreed to use civil nuclear trade only for peaceful purposes.

It is the 3rd India-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement. In the year 2008, an agreement was passed that would enable the U.S. civilian nuclear technology to be shared with India. The deal marks a great milestone, but such regulatory ban upon Indian institutions resulted in the signing after more than ten years of delays.