United States Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has removed three key Indian nuclear entities—the Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center, the Bhabha Atomic Research Center, and Indian Rare Earths—from its Entity List, a move that marks a significant step in U.S.-India relations and energy collaboration.
Key Details:
- Entities Removed:
- Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center (IGARC)
- Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC)
- Indian Rare Earths (IRE)
- Background:
- These entities were added to the U.S. Entity List after India’s May 1998 nuclear tests.
- The list imposes restrictions on exports of sensitive technologies from U.S. companies.
- In 2015, the U.S. removed nine Indian organizations during President Barack Obama’s administration.
- Implications of Removal:
- Facilitates closer collaboration between the U.S. and India in areas like critical minerals and clean energy supply chains.
- Supports the implementation of the India-U.S. civil nuclear pact, sealed in 2028.
- Reduces barriers to joint research and development, science and technology cooperation, and advanced energy projects.
- Strengthens efforts towards shared energy security goals.
- Significance:
- Reflects a deepening strategic partnership between the two nations.
- Supports U.S. foreign policy objectives by fostering advanced energy cooperation.
- Positions India as a key partner in building resilient supply chains for critical minerals and clean energy.
