US to Lift Restrictions on Indian Nuclear Entities, Strengthen Energy Ties

08 Jan 2025

As the Biden administration approaches its final weeks in office, the United States announced on Monday that it is taking key actions to eliminate long-standing regulations hindering civil nuclear cooperation between India’s top nuclear entities and American companies. The move, according to visiting U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, is crucial for unlocking the full potential of the 2008 India-U.S. civil nuclear agreement.

Jake Sullivan, the outgoing U.S. National Security Adviser, visited India from January 5-6 for his final overseas trip before stepping down from office. During his visit, Sullivan met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and also held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In his remarks, Sullivan announced the easing of restrictions on Indian companies to promote enhanced nuclear cooperation between the two countries. He highlights the strengthening of India-US defence and technology ties, describing them as key pillars of stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Sullivan also highlighted the potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, asserting that it offers a more effective model of growth and integration compared to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

However, Sullivan also issued a cautionary note, emphasising that for India and the United States to fully realise the vast potential of their relationship, both nations must uphold core values. These include a commitment to the rule of law, which fosters dynamic growth; respect for pluralism and tolerance, which drives innovation; and the protection of fundamental freedoms, which empowers the human spirit. He stated that these fundamental freedoms are the key to unlocking the human spirit and that they represent the core principles upon which both democracies will thrive and develop.