Abstract

Indo-US nuclear deal a critical understanding between America and India, was signed in 2008. Even though India wasn’t a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), this agreement granted essential autonomy to India for obtaining nuclear technology and fuel for peaceful reasons. The development of India's nuclear capabilities has dramatically enhanced the nation's energy security and permitted the use of atomic energy in various industries, including agriculture, healthcare, and power production. The Indo-U.S. nuclear deal significantly impacted the worldwide non-nuclear regime. The pact's unintended message was feared to weaken the non-proliferation system. This article examines the present alliance between the United States and India and their cooperation in nuclear technologies. Furthermore, this research is based on qualitative data; this article will discuss how the Indo-US strategic collaboration directly impacts Pakistan and other global nuclear regimes.

Key Words

NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty), NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group), India, United States, Pakistan

Introduction

Even though India is not a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), it is nevertheless able to access nuclear technology and fuel for peaceful reasons because of this pact. During the negotiations, sensitive issues like regional security, concerns about global proliferation, and India's place as a reliable nuclear state were talked about. The agreement was a turning point not just in the history of international relations but also in India's nuclear program. India's recent nuclear developments have not only improved the country's energy security, but they have also made it possible to increase the use of nuclear power in a variety of industries, including medicine, agriculture, and electricity generation, amongst others. Before the international sanctions were repealed, India's efforts to collaborate with other nations in order to promote sustainable economic growth were severely hampered. The nuclear accord, on the other hand, constitutes a significant advance because it paves the way for India's admission into the worldwide nuclear community and ushers in a brighter and more prosperous future. Growing reliance on nuclear power in India is symptomatic of the country's resolve to fulfill its energy demands in a sustainable manner, with minimal negative consequences on the environment. India is determined to satisfy its energy needs in a manner that has minimal negative effects on the environment (Weiss, 2007).

In 2008, India and the US secured an agreement that allowed India to acquire nuclear technology without signing the NPT. The multinational Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) aims to stop nuclear weapons proliferation and promote disarmament. This transaction questions the NPT's validity and ability to achieve these goals. It raised concerns that other nations would try to steal nuclear technology, undermining international nuclear security efforts. Thus, we must address these concerns and strengthen the NPT's role in nuclear non-proliferation (Rajagopalan, 2008). The US-India nuclear deal changed international relations. It formed a strategic alliance between the two states to fight China's regional dominance. The treaty made India a worldwide power and reshaped global politics. It showed India's expanding role in regional security. The pact changed Asia-Pacific power dynamics. It marked a new era of collaboration and cooperation between these superpowers (Dalton, 2018).

The India-US nuclear agreement had such a profound impact on international relations that Australia and Japan signed similar pacts. Despite concerns about a Non-Proliferation Treaty violation, experts and the international community considered the deals as constructive steps towards nuclear cooperation. Despite initial objections, the India-US nuclear pact advances nuclear diplomacy. It gave India access to atomic fuel and technology, which improved its energy security and nuclear capabilities, shifting the global balance of power. Nevertheless, it also raised important questions about the future of the global atomic regime and highlighted the crucial role of non-proliferation regulations in today's world. All in all, the Indo-US nuclear agreement is a multifaceted and intricate event that has profound implications for the global atomic landscape (Pulkit Mohan, 2019).

Looking ahead, it's evident that the Indo-US nuclear deal will have far-reaching effects on international politics. The worldwide atomic system has to change as more countries aspire to gain nuclear capabilities and resources. Effectively managing a new global nuclear order calls for a recommitment to nonproliferation principles and the creation of novel approaches. To ensure the safety of future generations around the world and reduce the likelihood of nuclear proliferation, we must take preventative measures now. 

The Rise of India’s Nuclear Program

Since gaining independence in 1947,integrating nuclear technology has dramatically facilitated India's progress and advancement. The pioneering work of Dr. Homi Bhabha in leading the country's nuclear program, coupled with the support of the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, played a pivotal role in ensuring that the program was free from bureaucratic constraints. In 1945, The Tata Trust played a significant role in this process and established the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). Bhabha directs this organization, which conducts fundamental research in the atomic sciences. The Constituent Assembly passed the Indian Atomic Energy Act after independence. This law established the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) in 1945. The AEC allowed India to develop its nuclear capabilities and perform atomic energy research. India's nuclear capability advanced with this. The AEC created the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in 1954. Since then, it has led all civil and military nuclear activities in India. The Department of Atomic Energy promotes peaceful atomic energy uses like power generation and scientific and technological research. India is a major nuclear power and has grown economically and technologically thanks to nuclear energy(Gopalakrishnan, 2002).

India's national security and foreign policy objectives are utterly dependent on the country's nuclear program. To safeguard both national security and national interests, it is necessary to build and maintain a nuclear arsenal without assistance from any other nation. In India, nuclear technology research and development began in the 1940s at the government's request. However, the 1974 "Smiling Buddha" atomic test was subject to intense scrutiny around the world. India is now an established player in the global nuclear arms race after the successful test proved that it could create cutting-edge technology for nuclear weapons.  The 1998 series of atomic tests proved India's weaponization and thermonuclear capacity, capping up a long period of development for the country's nuclear program. India's status as a nuclear power was bolstered by these tests. Regional security dynamics, particularly perceived threats from neighbors and strategic stability, have profoundly impacted India's nuclear program. From the start, India has prioritized non-proliferation and disarmament above the program. Due in large part to this strategy, India is now widely recognized as a credible nuclear state.

India's approach to nuclear policy, especially the No-First-Use (NFU) policy, is central to the country's nuclear philosophy. India has pledged not to use nuclear weapons first in a conflict under this strategy. They won't use them to attack, but rather as a deterrent. India has frequently stated that it will only use nuclear weapons in the event of a nuclear attack on its territory or military forces, and the country stands unwavering by this stance. India's commitment to and faith in its ability to prioritize regional peace, national security, and global non-proliferation efforts are on full display in this nuclear strategy. Moreover, India's nuclear program is designed to create a credible nuclear deterrent that may be used to intimidate adversaries. India's nuclear strategy, as a whole, demonstrates the country's dedication to nuclear safety and peaceful coexistence (Gupta, 2016).

Theoretical Framework

The nuclear accord between India and the United States is an important issue in international relations and would benefit from a thorough examination in light of the Realism theory. This theoretical framework provides a macro perspective on power dynamics and the relative strength of different countries. In addition, it explains the full context of the problem. Applying realism to our assessment of this agreement can help us see it from many new and valuable angles. By carefully looking at this agreement, we can learn a lot about what all sides expect.

Research Methodology

This research is based on qualitative and secondary data is collected from existing literature like books, articles, newspapers, statements of political leaders, government reports and journals, etc. 

Literature Review

After the 9/11 incident, India and the USA came closer and made friendly and cooperative relations. Due to the shifting power structure in the regional and international arena, both countries have built stronger ties than past. India and the USA shared a common interest in promoting peace in the world and their joint commitment to promote democracy. They also enhance their economic, political, nuclear, and military cooperation. India has committed to separate its military and Civilian projects according to this deal (Shakeel, 2022).

In the Indo-US nuclear deal, 65% of their energy generation and two-thirds of their existing reactors will be subjected to global verification. In exchange for this commitment, the USA has agreed to provide India with nuclear technology and atomic fuel. This nuclear deal has the potential to significantly enhance Indian capacity to produce warheads because this deal gives continuous insurance to supply nuclear fuel to India. India is the only country in the globe with the status of a de facto nuclear state which is not a member of the Non-Nuclear Proliferation Treaty. This deal also allows India to build 50 atomic warheads annually. Furthermore, this deal does not allow India for a nuclear test; India is also not a part of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (Khan, 2013).

The Strategic partnership between America and India is mainly focused on maintaining the balance of power in South Asia. There is a concern for America about the growing influence of China in the South Asian region. America engages Indian as a strategic partner and enhances the relations by signing a nuclear deal and sharing advanced military technologies to counter Chinese influence in South Asia and in the Indo-Pacific Ocean Region to maintain its hegemonic status(Jahangir & Khan, 2020). 

During the early 21st century, the United States strategically decided to improve its relationship with India, resulting in productive discussions between the two nations. Their bilateral talks centered around various topics and were amplified by the US President's visit to India in 2000, where they worked towards strengthening their cooperative partnership. Although some have expressed concerns that this agreement may lead to nuclear proliferation, others see it as a policy to utilize nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. However, it is essential to note that the special treatment given to India could potentially have implications for Pakistan in the region (Mitra, 2019).

During the initial discussions between India and America on the nuclear deal, Pakistan showed concern with the US, and Islamabad requested that America enter into a signed same agreement with Pakistan. However, the US firmly declined, citing Pakistan's involvement in secretly providing atomic arms technology and blueprints to countries in the Islamic world, such as Iran and Libya. America also emphasized that Pakistan cannot be compared with India on the issue of nuclear technology. This disagreement has sparked a global conversation on the complexities of the India-US Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement over the coming years (Singh, 2022). India has expressed concerns about the possible security challenges Pakistan and China pose. Some have speculated that India may utilize this concern to gain political and military support from the West and increase its arsenal acquisitions. However, such actions could cooperate with strategic stability in South Asia. It is worth noting that India is one of the largest importers of military equipment globally. He got weapons from America and Russia. This dynamic contributes to the conventional army asymmetry between India and Pakistan (Mehreen & Abid, 2022).

Historical Background of Indo-US Nuclear Deal

In 2002, the United States aimed to enhance India's global political influence and create a more robust strategic connection. Thus, the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP) was introduced in 2004 to encourage collaboration in various areas, including civil nuclear technology, civil space programs, missile defense, and high-tech sharing. This move demonstrated a lasting strategic partnership between India and the US. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Bush reaffirmed their dedication to this partnership later that year. Both heads of state issued a joint statement: “The United States and India announced major progress in the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP) initiative today. Implementing the NSSP will bring significant economic benefits for both countries and improve regional and global security. In January 2004, the United States and India agreed to expand cooperation in civilian nuclear activities, civilian space programs, and high-technology trade. In addition, the two countries agreed to expand our dialogue on missile defense”(Shakeel, 2022).

On July 18, 2005, President Bush announced a civil nuclear agreement with India. He proposed adjusting U.S. non-proliferation laws and reorganizing the global nuclear system to enable complete collaboration with India on civilian nuclear energy. This deal, initiated during the visit of Man Mohan Singh to the U.S. in July 2005 and further developed during the visit of President Bush to India in March 2006, is exceptional in that it involves a state that has not ratified the NPT. Notably, "US law prohibits entering into agreements with countries that have not signed the NPT and refuse to comply with the IAEA's directives. “India stands to gain significant benefits from the nuclear deal, including the potential to access enriched uranium, purchase reactors, and participate in global research. However, the deal is contingent upon approval from the U.S. Congress and amendments to nuclear proliferation laws. The Indo-US Nuclear Deal Implications for Pakistan (Shakeel, Indo-U.S Nuclear Cooperation: different perspectives, 2022).

Terms of the Deal

Under this nuclear agreement, Indian makes many changes to her atomic portfolio. 

? India made a phased action plan to separate their civil and atomic reactors. 

? Fourteen civilian reactors were subject to an IAEA safeguard agreement particular to India, while the other eight military reactors were to be exempt from international oversight.

? This deal allows the Indian government to make future atomic reactors under the same safeguard agreement. 

? The nation must follow the "Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and NSG guidelines" in its missile and nuclear development.

? The agreement made a place for the other nuclear trade powers, notably the other P-4 atomic states, and enabled the US to collaborate with India on nuclear technology.

Implications for the Global Non-Nuclear Regime

The consequences for the global non-nuclear regime have been substantial since the Indo-US nuclear pact came into force in 2008. The potential deterioration of the non-proliferation system and the reaction from non-nuclear weapon states are two significant facets of its influence that will be discussed in this section. Concerns about the non-proliferation system are at the forefront of discussions over the Indo-US nuclear pact. India is not a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear weapons (NPT), but because of this agreement, it can get nuclear technology and fuel. The NPT, which entered into force in 1970, is a cornerstone of the international non-nuclear system. It advocates for abolishing nuclear weapons and works to curb their proliferation. Since India was not obligated to fulfill the same non-proliferation commitments as other states, its privileged status under the nuclear deal gave rise to double standards. This disparity prompted inquiries over the sincerity of nuclear-armed states' commitment to non-proliferation and the integrity of the international nuclear order (Akbar & Riaz, 2020).

The response of countries that do not have nuclear weapons to the Indo-US nuclear deal was mixed. Some countries were worried about the example it would set and what it could mean for the non-proliferation regime. They said the accord undercut the norm against nuclear proliferation and harmed the credibility of the NPT. These nations were concerned that if they granted any exceptions, other countries would do the same, weakening the non-proliferation framework and making nuclear proliferation more likely. However, for other nations, the agreement meant a chance to further atomic cooperation with India and boost ties between the two nations. They saw India as a responsible nuclear state and thought working with it would benefit regional efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation. These countries emphasized the need to reconcile non-proliferation goals with respect for India’s particular situation and objectives. The response of non-nuclear weapon states affected the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The NSG is an international coalition that aims to restrict the export and import of nuclear materials and safeguard atomic technology. The nuclear agreement between India and the United States has prompted discussions regarding nuclear trade standards and the criteria for NSG membership. Some countries without nuclear weapons contended that if India could get special treatment, so should they. The NSG's debate on the topic shed light on how challenging it is to maintain a unified and effective non-proliferation framework.

The nuclear accord between India and the United States had far-reaching effects on the international nuclear-free order. Some were concerned that the deal would undermine efforts to prevent nuclear weapons from being developed. What this could mean for the non-proliferation regime concerned those countries that do not have nukes, while others saw it as a chance to collaborate more closely on nuclear matters. Concerns raised by critics of the transaction pushed the Nuclear Suppliers Group to reconsider its membership criteria and its rules for nuclear trade. The implications of the Indo-US nuclear accord for non-proliferation efforts and the future of the global non-nuclear system are still up for debate (Pate, 2020).

Indo-US Deal Implications for Pakistan

The United States' most recent military plan in Asia includes a nod to India's importance. With this alliance, India can better defend itself from China and keep the regional power dynamic in check. However, Pakistan's hopes for U.S. support may be overly optimistic, and the country may instead decide to work with China on the CPEC (Ahmad & Gul, 2021). Pakistani specialists are worried about the deal's long-term effects. An arms race in the region involving Pakistan, India, and China might be intensified without thoroughly investigating India's motivations for developing its nuclear weapons and fissile stockpile. While the United States hopes that North Korea and Iran will not be able to acquire nuclear weapons, it is important to realize that this agreement has contributed to the arms race in Asia. In addition, the United States has relaxed some of its limitations on the transfer of technology to India (Hosur, 2010).

The Alarming Situation for Pakistan

The recent agreement between India and the United States to increase India's plutonium production for nuclear weapons has caused alarm in Pakistan. With only 500 kilograms of plutonium, the purchase did not include the fissile material that might be used to create nearly 100 nuclear bombs. Pakistan has responded by increasing its own production of nuclear weapons. The US claims this action is essential to keeping Pakistani weapons out of the hands of terrorists, but Pakistani officials hold the US responsible for interfering with their country's nuclear program. Concerns over India's ability to produce nuclear weapons from unguarded reactors have been raised in light of the Indo-US nuclear pact. Pakistan's National Command Authority is concerned about a possible increase in stockpile size as a consequence of space cooperation and exports of missile technology. India is becoming increasingly concerned about Pakistan's expenditure on defense and security, particularly the development of weapons of mass destruction. In response to the recent agreement between India and the United States, Pakistan has increased its efforts to become a nuclear-capable nation and allocated more public sector funding for this purpose. It is important to observe that India's defense budget is over six times that of Pakistan's. The close defense and trade ties between India and the US have caused concern for Pakistan, as it may disrupt the balance of power in the region. Pakistan has formed a stronger alliance with China to counter India's dominance. Although Pakistan has a friendly relationship with China, it is unlikely that China will compromise its relationship with India. The recent deal between the US and India has spurred these developments. It is worth noting that India has been accused of violating UN Security Council resolutions in the Jammu & Kashmir dispute. (Murtaza & Azhar, 2019). 

Response of Pakistan

The Indo-US Nuclear deal hurts Pakistan's status in the global world. Its security threw off the balance of power in the area and damaged its ties with the US. However, the US will gain from its strategic alliance with India even though its economic reliance on Pakistan is greater. The US is more important than ever to work with Pakistan because of its geostrategic importance and connections to the significant regional actors. Pakistan should continue to expand its relations based on fairness and respect for one another. As a result, Pakistan's energy crises and economic instability will be lessened. It should also keep an eye on the ongoing strategy of international collaboration. Regardless of its power level, Pakistan should control its relations with other states globally on the principles of equality, respect, and cooperation to enhance its soft image.

In addition, Pakistan needs Iran's close collaboration to satisfy its energy needs. The Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline will meet Pakistan's energy needs once finished. Other areas of cooperation between the two nations include trade, science, and technological and military research. Pakistan should thus increase its commerce with the rest of the globe. A sound market economy will give shareholders more confidence and enable Pakistan to negotiate equal terms with the US.

Conclusion

In terms of becoming more powerful and capable of playing a significant role in regional affairs, the Indo-US civilian nuclear pact represents an important step forward for India. The agreement achieved India's long-standing geostrategic aims, including counterbalancing China's nuclear and missile dominance and its aggressive and wicked ambitions toward Pakistan. Due to the emergence of a multipolar world, America faces many challenges to its hegemonic status. The United States faces challenges to its omnipotence due to the transforming multipolar world and emerging powers. It is enlisting regional authorities and establishing a strategic relationship with Pakistan and India to address this. To promote its interests and ambitions, maintain its status as a superpower, and sustain the current international order through its values and preferences, the United States needs balance, peace, and stability throughout the area. The strategic cooperation between the US and India will help the US advance its goals by allowing it to restructure the regional order. But the long-standing rivalry between Pakistan and India continued to dominate the South Asian security system. The India-US nuclear agreement will jeopardize Pakistan's security and disrupt the balance of power between the two nations. This sophisticated Indo-US strategic cooperation will severely impact the South Asian area. Pakistan suffers significant consequences due to the Indo-US security and defense cooperation. The Indo-US defense collaboration would entirely alter the power dynamics between India and Pakistan. As a result, the area would see a new arms race. Pakistan would choose China as its source of cutting-edge nuclear technologies.

Recommendations

To effectively address the aftermath of the Indo-US nuclear agreement, it is recommended that policymakers and stakeholders consider the following suggestions:

? Non-proliferation regimes must be reinforced to promote global stability and peace while preserving India's unique status. 

? Future nuclear agreements should strive to balance non-proliferation goals and nuclear disarmament. It is also crucial for India, Pakistan, and China to engage in ongoing dialogue and confidence-building measures to encourage regional stability. This includes multilateral negotiations, arms control agreements, and crisis management mechanisms to prevent potential conflicts.

? India must also prioritize investing in nuclear safety measures, such as robust emergency preparedness and strict regulatory frameworks. 

? Sharing expertise and standard operating procedures with other nations will help ensure global nuclear security. 

? Additionally, India should focus on developing and deploying renewable energy sources alongside nuclear power. This will reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy security, diversify the energy mix, and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts.

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