In a significant development during its penultimate week in office, the Biden administration announced steps to remove long-standing regulations hindering civil nuclear cooperation between India’s leading nuclear entities and US companies. The move, announced Monday by visiting US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, is seen as a crucial step toward unlocking the full potential of the landmark 2008 India-US civil nuclear deal.
Sullivan, in what was his final international visit before leaving office, met Indian NSA Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his January 5–6 trip. Speaking at IIT-Delhi, he emphasized that delisting Indian nuclear entities would pave the way for deeper collaboration in civil nuclear energy between the two nations.
“This is an opportunity to turn the page on past frictions and create avenues for Indian entities previously on restrictive lists to engage with the US private sector, scientists, and technologists,” Sullivan stated, adding that the formal processes for these changes would begin shortly.
He highlighted the growing defence and technology partnership between the two democracies as a cornerstone of stability in the Indo-Pacific. Sullivan also stressed the importance of aligning shared values, including respect for the rule of law, pluralism, and basic freedoms, to maximize the “boundless” potential of the India-US relationship.
The easing of nuclear curbs aligns with broader goals to accelerate clean energy innovation and foster advancements in artificial intelligence and energy technologies. “The Biden administration believes it is past time to take the next major step in cementing this partnership,” Sullivan said, underlining the potential for collaboration between US and Indian energy firms.
However, Sullivan voiced concerns over the diversion of dual-use technologies to nations like Russia. He called for closer alignment of export controls and stricter measures to secure sensitive supply chains. “The US and India must ensure that critical technologies do not fall into the wrong hands, which means enhancing trade measures and reviewing investment in sensitive sectors,” he warned.
Sullivan also addressed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), an ambitious initiative aimed at providing a high-standard alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). While disruptions in West Asia had stalled progress, Sullivan said he had engaged with key stakeholders to keep the project on track. He expressed optimism about its potential to drive growth and integration, adding that the incoming US administration was briefed on its strategic importance.
As one of the architects of the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), Sullivan’s visit underscored the enduring strength of the bilateral relationship and its growing focus on technology and energy collaboration. With the Biden administration taking these bold steps, the India-US partnership appears poised to enter a new phase of mutual cooperation and strategic alignment.
