Indo-US Nuclear Cooperation

For over half a century, Indo-US relations had not been friendly. But the situation gradually changed in the post-Cold War era and signs of improved relations were visible in coming period. Both governments began to extend bilateral cooperation in different areas, from industry to agriculture and space technology to nuclear energy but main emphasis was on civilian nuclear cooperation. On 18 July 2005, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh paid a visit to the US and signed a bilateral agreement with President Bush. This visit was reciprocal and President Bush was in India in March 2006. These visits were hailed as historic events and signaled the dawn of a new era and end of “estrangement” as Kux characterized the relations of the Cold War era. Today, there is a growing chorus of views in both countries recommending a long-term strategic understanding even partnership. The study is to take a survey of Indo-US nuclear relations of the last six decades and to explore the current nature of the relationship in nuclear arena.