26 Years After Pokhran, US to Lift Nuclear Ban on India: Boost for Key Industries

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Amid growing Indo-US relations the United States National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan announced the removal of sanctions imposed on Indian civilian nuclear companies after the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests. Speaking during his visit to IIT Delhi, Sullivan stated that this decision will pave the way for renewed nuclear agreements and collaborations between Indian and American companies. He emphasized that the lifting of these restrictions will allow both nations to rectify past differences and advance in nuclear and semiconductor technology through mutual cooperation.

The US had imposed sanctions on several Indian organizations, including the Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research, Indian Rare Earths and other nuclear reactors, following the Pokhran tests. With these restrictions being removed, India’s nuclear sector is set to benefit significantly opening doors for collaborative projects in research, development and technological advancements. Sullivan highlighted that the coming decade will witness groundbreaking partnerships between Indian and American companies in nuclear energy and semiconductors with India being the first country to collaborate with the US in semiconductor technology.

This announcement comes just a month after the US imposed strict sanctions on several Pakistani nuclear companies, accusing them of developing missiles capable of targeting the US. Pakistan dismissed these claims calling them baseless and unjust especially given its rivalry with a neighboring nuclear-armed nation like India. With the removal of restrictions on Indian companies, the path is now clear for Indo-US collaborations in advanced technologies, marking a significant milestone in their strategic partnership.