US Lifts Restrictions on Three Indian Firms to Strengthen Energy Partnerships

The US Department of Commerce has lifted restrictions on three Indian organizations: Indian Rare Earths, Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center (IGCAR), and Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC). This move, aimed at boosting nuclear collaboration between the US and India, was announced on Wednesday. Along with this change, the US added 11 Chinese entities to its restriction list.

According to the Bureau of Industry and Security, this decision will help promote advanced energy cooperation, joint research, and technology sharing. The US and India both aim to enhance peaceful nuclear cooperation and research activities, which have benefited not just their countries but also others globally.

Alan Estevez, the undersecretary for commerce, emphasized the importance of this decision, stating that it sends a strong message regarding the consequences of supporting China’s military advancements. At the same time, it highlights the benefits of collaborating with the US to achieve common goals and strengthen bilateral ties.

Matthew Borman, a top official in the Commerce Department, noted that removing restrictions on these Indian entities will foster greater cooperation. This move aims to create more resilient supply chains for critical minerals and clean energy.

This initiative aligns with a broader vision of civil nuclear cooperation first envisioned by George W. Bush and Manmohan Singh two decades ago. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, during a recent visit to New Delhi, expressed that now is the right time to advance this partnership, especially in areas like clean energy and artificial intelligence.

However, experts caution that while this is a significant step forward, challenges remain. Many US companies remain hesitant to invest in India until changes are made to the country’s nuclear liability laws. The emerging trend in nuclear cooperation may focus on small modular reactors, which could help address energy shortages and support the transition to cleaner energy solutions.

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