India Us 123 Agreement

The India-US 123 Agreement: What You Need to Know

The India-US 123 Agreement, also known as the Indo-US Nuclear Deal, is a bilateral agreement between the United States and India that was signed in 2008. This agreement is aimed at promoting civilian nuclear cooperation between the two nations. It is a significant milestone for India`s civilian nuclear program, as it allows India to access the latest nuclear technology and materials.

What is the India-US 123 Agreement?

The 123 Agreement outlines the terms of nuclear cooperation between India and the US. It provides India access to nuclear technology and fuel, which will help to expand its civilian nuclear program. The agreement also provides assurances that India will use nuclear materials and technology only for peaceful purposes.

The agreement was signed in 2008, but negotiations between India and the US began in 2005. The US Congress had to pass a law called the Hyde Act before the agreement could be signed. The Hyde Act put some conditions on the deal, such as India`s continued cooperation with the US on non-proliferation issues.

Impact of the India-US 123 Agreement

The India-US 123 Agreement has had a significant impact on India`s civilian nuclear program. India is now able to access the latest nuclear technology and materials, which has helped to expand its nuclear power capacity. This is important for India as it is the world`s third-largest consumer of energy after the US and China.

The agreement has also helped to strengthen the ties between India and the US. The US has been a vocal supporter of India`s civilian nuclear program, and the agreement is a symbol of the growing relationship between the two nations.

However, the agreement has not been without controversy. Some critics have argued that it undermines the global non-proliferation regime because India is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Others have raised concerns about the safety and security of India`s nuclear facilities.

Conclusion

The India-US 123 Agreement is an important milestone for India`s civilian nuclear program. It has provided India with access to the latest nuclear technology and materials, which has helped to expand its nuclear power capacity. The agreement has also strengthened the ties between India and the US. While there have been concerns about the agreement, its overall impact has been positive. The India-US 123 Agreement stands as an example of successful bilateral cooperation in the field of nuclear energy.