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The United States has announced its intention to remove long-standing regulations hindering civil nuclear cooperation between leading Indian nuclear entities and US companies. This significant move, announced during US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's final overseas visit before the Biden administration's end, marks a pivotal step in realizing the full potential of the 2008 India-US civil nuclear deal. Sullivan's visit to India, from January 5th to 6th, involved meetings with his counterpart Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Prime Minister Modi. The easing of restrictions on Indian companies is intended to facilitate stronger nuclear cooperation, a key component of the broader strengthening of US-India ties. This decision represents a strategic shift, acknowledging the growing importance of India as a partner in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
Beyond the nuclear cooperation aspect, Sullivan highlighted the expanding India-US defense and technology partnership as a cornerstone of stability in the Indo-Pacific. He also emphasized the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) as a potential model for growth and integration, offering a superior alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). While acknowledging the progress made and the significant opportunities IMEEC presents, Sullivan also noted disruptions caused by developments in West Asia. He emphasized his personal engagement with key countries and leaders to keep the initiative moving forward, and briefed the incoming administration on the corridor's immense potential. This focus on economic cooperation underscores a desire to create a more robust and resilient geopolitical landscape that counters China's influence.
Sullivan's announcement regarding the delisting of Indian nuclear entities from US restrictive lists is expected to lead to deeper collaboration between US and Indian private sectors, scientists, and technologists. The formal paperwork for this delisting is expected to be completed soon. The Biden administration's decision is framed within a broader context of building clean energy technologies, fostering advancements in artificial intelligence, and unlocking the innovation potential of both US and Indian energy companies. This move is presented as the next major step in solidifying the US-India partnership, reflecting a long-term strategic commitment.
However, the announcement also included a note of caution. Sullivan expressed concerns about the transfer of dual-use technologies to Russia, a critical issue given the ongoing geopolitical conflict. He stressed the need for the US and India to collaborate in preventing valuable technologies from falling into the wrong hands. This cooperation necessitates aligning export control systems, implementing trade measures to protect industrial strategies from overcapacity, securing supply chains, and reviewing inbound and outbound investment in sensitive sectors. This emphasis on security underscores the complexities of the US-India relationship and the need for careful management of technology transfer to prevent unintended consequences. This commitment to shared security values is crucial for the continued deepening of the bilateral relationship.
In conclusion, the US announcement on removing curbs on Indian nuclear entities signifies a major shift in US-India relations. It marks a significant step toward deepening cooperation in the energy sector and highlights the broader strategic partnership between the two countries. The emphasis on shared values such as respect for the rule of law and pluralism, along with concerns about technology transfer to unfriendly actors, underscores the complexities of this evolving relationship. The move is not merely a transactional arrangement but part of a wider geopolitical strategy aiming to enhance stability, counterbalance China's influence, and foster economic growth in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The success of this initiative will depend on both countries' continued commitment to navigating these complexities and upholding their shared values.
Source: US to scrap curbs on Indian nuclear entities, boost energy ties