What NSA Jake Sullivan’s India Visit Signals For Nuclear And Tech Ties As US Lifts Curbs On Indian Entities

In a landmark development, the United States (US) is set to remove long-standing regulations that have hindered civil nuclear cooperation between Indian nuclear entities and US companies. 

This incremental step, announced by US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan during his visit to India, marks a significant stride in operationalising the Indo-US nuclear deal envisioned nearly two decades ago.

Reviving a Dormant Vision

The Indo-US civilian nuclear deal, initiated in 2008 under the leadership of former US President George W Bush and then-Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, has remained largely unrealised. 

Sullivan, speaking at IIT Delhi, emphasised that the Biden administration sees it as "past time to take the next major step in cementing this partnership." 

He announced that Washington is finalising steps to remove Indian government entities such as the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR), and Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) from the US Entity List.

The US Entity List, maintained by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the US Department of Commerce, restricts foreign individuals, businesses, and organizations deemed a potential threat to US national security or foreign policy interests. 

This regulatory shift, described as an opportunity to "turn the page on some of the frictions of the past," is expected to facilitate deep collaboration between Indian institutions and US private sector players, scientists, and technologists.

Expanding Strategic Horizons

Sullivan’s announcement coincided with broader efforts to enhance India-US collaboration in critical and emerging technologies. 

Highlighting updates to US missile export control policies under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Sullivan revealed that these changes would "boost US commercial space cooperation with India."

The Biden administration's willingness to share "high technologies, like in the area of rockets," underscores its confidence in India as a strategic partner. 

Navigating Challenges in a Complex World

Sullivan did not shy away from addressing challenges in the India-US relationship, including tensions over trade, human rights, and rule of law. However, he praised the enduring resilience of the bilateral partnership, which has withstood geopolitical shifts and domestic political transitions in both nations.

The US NSA also took a firm stance against China, accusing it of ‘weaponizing dependencies’ in sectors like chip manufacturing and clean energy. By contrast, he reaffirmed the importance of ensuring that "valuable dual-use technologies don’t fall into the wrong hands," an implicit reference to concerns over Russia's S-400 air defense system.

Strengthening Bonds for Global Good

The visit also featured high-level engagements between Sullivan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. 

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office highlighted Modi’s appreciation for "President Biden’s contributions towards strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership." The mutual commitment to deepening ties for the "global good" reflects the alignment of both nations in addressing shared challenges and seizing emerging opportunities.

The announcement to remove regulatory hurdles in civil nuclear cooperation signifies more than just a policy change unlocking new avenues for collaboration in nuclear energy, space, and advanced technologies.