US Moves to Boost Nuclear Cooperation with India, Says Jake Sullivan

The United States is taking critical steps to remove barriers that have long hindered civil nuclear cooperation with India, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced during his two-day visit to New Delhi. This move is expected to reinvigorate a landmark nuclear deal between the two nations, initially signed in 2007.

“The United States is now finalizing 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 on Monday.

Key Developments in the Nuclear Deal:

• Background:
  The India-US civil nuclear agreement, signed in 2007 under President George W. Bush, aimed to facilitate the sale of US civilian nuclear technology to India. In 2019, the two nations agreed to build six US nuclear power plants in India.

• Challenges:
  Progress has been delayed by India’s nuclear liability laws, which diverge from global norms. These rules channel the cost of nuclear accidents to the operator rather than the manufacturer, deterring foreign companies from collaborating with Indian entities.

• New Efforts:
  Sullivan’s announcement signals a fresh push to align Indian liability regulations with global standards, paving the way for smoother collaboration. India aims to expand its nuclear power capacity to 20,000 MW by 2030, a target previously deferred due to regulatory hurdles.

Broader Strategic Discussions:

Sullivan met with Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to discuss enhancing bilateral, regional, and global partnerships. Key topics likely included the impact of Chinese upstream dams, artificial intelligence, space exploration, military licensing, and economic overcapacity, reflecting shared strategic interests.

Dr. Jaishankar acknowledged Sullivan’s role in strengthening India-US ties, saying:
“Valued the openness of our conversations in the last four years. Appreciated his personal contribution to forging a closer and stronger India-US partnership.”

Significance of the Visit:

Sullivan’s visit, days before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, highlights the enduring importance of India-US relations. While the Biden administration is nearing its conclusion, Sullivan’s trip underscores bipartisan commitment to strengthening this strategic partnership.

Future Prospects:

With regulatory changes on the horizon, the civil nuclear agreement between India and the US could see renewed momentum, unlocking significant opportunities for energy collaboration and reinforcing the countries’ strategic alliance.