US Takes Significant Steps to Enhance Civil Nuclear Cooperation with Indian Firms

The United States is taking steps to eliminate obstacles for a civil nuclear partnership with India, according to US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. This move aims to revive a significant agreement made 16 years ago between the two nations. Sullivan shared these updates during a meeting with Indian NSA Ajit Doval, highlighting changes in US missile export control policies to enhance India-US commercial space cooperation.

In his address at IIT-Delhi, Sullivan announced that the US is finalising measures to remove long-standing regulations hindering civil nuclear cooperation between India's key nuclear entities and American companies. This development is expected to facilitate the construction of US nuclear power plants in India. The original civil nuclear agreement was initiated in July 2005 after discussions between then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and then President George W Bush.

US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation

The historic civil nuclear agreement was concluded after several negotiations, allowing the US to share civilian nuclear technology with India. Despite this vision laid out nearly two decades ago, full realisation has been elusive. Sullivan stated that the Biden administration believes it's time to advance this partnership further. "So today I can announce that the United States is now finalising the necessary steps to remove long-standing regulations that have prevented civil nuclear cooperation between India's leading nuclear entities and US companies," Sullivan said.

Sullivan emphasised that this move reflects confidence in the progress made by both countries as strategic partners committed to peaceful nuclear cooperation. He noted that under President Joe Biden's leadership, a new chapter in US-India relations has opened, despite challenges like trade tensions and human rights issues. "But we've navigated these issues together with our eye on the long game and our ability to do so reflects the deep and enduring resilience between the US and India across generations, across administrations and yes, across the aisle," he said.

Strengthening Defence and Economic Ties

Sullivan also highlighted the importance of US-India collaboration for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. He mentioned that both countries are helping others in the region upgrade their defensive capabilities. "Because that is a critical goal that unites us to ensure a more free, more secure, more prosperous and more resilient Indo-Pacific region," he said. The stronger defence cooperation between the US and India is already enhancing security across this area.

In addition to defence ties, economic relations are also growing stronger. Over 1,000 American companies operate in India, contributing more than USD 50 billion in foreign direct investment from the United States. Sullivan noted that Indian private sector investment in the US has recently surpassed that of China. "We are deeply invested in India's success and I believe India is deeply invested in ours," he said.

Addressing Global Challenges Together

Sullivan criticised China's industrial strategies, particularly in sectors like chip manufacturing and clean energy. He pointed out that many US companies are moving operations from China to India for greater market resilience. For instance, Apple plans significant investments in Indian production, with over a quarter of all iPhones expected to be made in India within a few years.

He warned against weaponising interdependencies, citing examples where countries lost access to critical minerals essential for clean energy and industries due to such tactics. "We've seen repeated attacks on industries tied to our structure which is heightening the risks not only to cyber espionage but of destructive sabotage," he added.

Sullivan announced an upcoming boost in India-US commercial and civil space partnerships with President Biden signing relevant documents. This initiative will enhance cooperation in missile technology areas as well.

The evolving partnership between India and the US signifies a commitment to addressing global challenges collaboratively while fostering mutual growth and stability across regions.