US National Security Advisor Jack Sullivan has announced that Indian government institutions, such as Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), and Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), are being planned to be removed from the US sanctions list. The initiative aims to encourage cooperation between India’s nuclear institutions and US companies.
US Entity List
- The US Entity List includes foreign individuals, businesses, and organizations that have been subject to sanctions related to the export and licensing of particular goods and technologies.
Purpose of the List
- The list is prepared by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) under the US Department of Commerce.
It aims to prevent unauthorized trade that may support
- Terrorism: Supporting any type of terrorist activities.
- Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD): Programs that are related to the manufacture of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons.
- Activities against US Foreign Policy or National Security: Actions that can harm the interests of US foreign policy or national security.
- This list ensures that sensitive items and technologies are not misused.
Background
- Agreement on Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy between India and America (123 Agreement):
- This agreement has been signed under Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act 1954.
- Hence it is commonly known as the 123 Agreement.
Objective of the Agreement
- To end the technical ban system that has been in force against India for three decades.
- To end India’s nuclear isolation.
- Outcome: The deal opens doors for India to join the US and rest of the world as an equal partner in civil nuclear cooperation.
India–US Nuclear Deal
India–US Civil Nuclear Deal (2008):
Key Points
- India allowed to do nuclear trade without signing NPT.
- Separation of civil and military nuclear programmes under IAEA monitoring.
- India gets access to nuclear fuel, reactors and technology.
Progress
- Deal met with initial enthusiasm; US amended laws.
- India signs deals with several countries, but slow progress in reactor construction and investment.
Progress slow
Legal Hurdles
- 10CFR810: Rules under Part 810 of Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, under the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954, prohibit US nuclear vendors from doing equipment manufacturing or design work in India.
- Civil Liability Act (2010): Liability of suppliers in case of accident discourages foreign investors.
- Technical limitations: India’s dependence on PHWR technology, while global progress is in LWR.
- Other challenges: High cost, bureaucracy, public opposition (post Fukushima disaster), and geopolitical differences.
Importance of India–US civil nuclear cooperation
- iCET (Critical and Emerging Technology Initiative): Aims to promote innovation and enable joint manufacturing of nuclear components. Deployment of US nuclear reactors in India can promote cooperation and mutual cooperation.
- India’s focus on SMRs (Small Modular Reactors): Cooperation in emerging technologies will increase self-reliance in India’s energy sector.
- Collaboration in Light Water Reactors (LWR): Partnership between India and the US to adopt modern reactor technology.