Context:
The Congress party stated that India’s reported progress toward finalising a uranium supply deal with Canada is possible due to the 2008 India–U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement, which enabled India’s integration into global nuclear commerce.
Key Highlights
Congress’s Statement
- Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asserted that the current deal is a consequence of the India–U.S. nuclear pact signed under former PM Manmohan Singh.
- He argued that the 2008 agreement opened doors for India to engage in nuclear trade with multiple countries, including Canada.
Significance of the 2008 Pact
- The nuclear agreement ended India’s isolation from global atomic trade despite not being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
- The U.S. supported India’s waiver at the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), permitting civilian nuclear cooperation.
Current Diplomatic Progress
- Reports suggest India and Canada are close to finalising:
- A $2.8 billion deal for long-term uranium supply.
- Cooperation across areas including energy, defence, space, and technology.
- Momentum follows a meeting between PM Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.
Relevant Prelims Points
- India–U.S. Civil Nuclear Deal (2008):
- Also known as the 123 Agreement
- Enabled nuclear fuel imports and civilian reactor cooperation.
- NSG Waiver (2008):
- Allowed India to engage in civilian nuclear trade despite being outside NPT.
- Uranium Suppliers to India:
- Canada, Kazakhstan, Australia (under civil nuclear pact), Russia.
- India’s Nuclear Framework:
- Regulatory oversight by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).
- Executed through Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and NPCIL.
Relevant Mains Points
- Energy Security Implications
- Uranium imports support India’s growing civilian nuclear power programme.
- Reduces dependence on fossil fuels; aligns with climate commitments.
- Diplomatic Significance
- The deal strengthens Indo–Canadian ties following strained relations over political tensions.
- Reflects India’s rising role in global strategic frameworks.
- Strategic Fallout of the 2008 Pact
- Impact on India’s foreign policy orientation toward the U.S.-led order.
- Opened opportunities for high-technology access beyond nuclear sector (defence, space, R&D).
Way Forward
- Diversify uranium suppliers to avoid supply shocks.
- Accelerate domestic reactor development including:
- Indigenous PHWRs (Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors)
- Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) pipeline
- Thorium-based reactors (long-term strategy)
- Balance diplomacy between Western partners and non-aligned nuclear stakeholders.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS-II: International Relations, India–US Relations, Strategic Diplomacy
- GS-III: Energy Security, Nuclear Technology, Climate Commitments
- Prelims: Nuclear Deals, NSG, 123 Agreement, Uranium Imports