India’s civil nuclear agreements are a cornerstone of its energy diplomacy and strategic autonomy. The pivotal moment came with the India–US Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008), often referred to as the 123 Agreement, which ended India’s decades-long nuclear isolation. This agreement recognized India as a responsible nuclear state despite its non-signatory status to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Following this, the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) granted a special waiver to India, allowing it to engage in international civil nuclear trade. Since then, India has signed civil nuclear cooperation agreements with over 14 countries, including France, Russia, Canada, Japan, Australia, and South Korea.
Key objectives of these agreements include:
- Enhancing energy security through nuclear power generation.
- Facilitating technology transfer and access to uranium fuel.
- Promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy under IAEA safeguards.
Notably, India’s agreements with Russia (Kudankulam projects) and France (Jaitapur project) are critical to its nuclear infrastructure. Additionally, agreements with uranium-rich countries like Australia and Kazakhstan ensure fuel supply.
While these agreements have bolstered India’s energy capabilities, concerns remain regarding liability laws, regulatory infrastructure, and the pace of implementation.
Vocabulary Note: “Safeguards” refer to international inspections ensuring nuclear materials are not diverted to weapons use.
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