According to the reports on Thursday (16 January), the Biden administration’s decision to lift long-standing sanctions on three Indian entities—Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), and Indian Rare Earths—marks a significant step in strengthening the India-US relationship. This move is seen as a key milestone in bolstering bilateral energy cooperation and scientific collaboration, particularly in the fields of nuclear energy and technology. The action aims to support shared goals of advancing energy security and technological progress between the two nations.
The US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) highlighted that lifting these Cold War-era sanctions would promote closer research ties and enhance cooperation in science and technology. The BIS stated that the decision reflects the United States’ commitment to peaceful nuclear cooperation with India and its broader foreign policy interests. This shift is expected to reduce historical barriers that have hindered progress in energy and technology collaboration.
Simultaneously, the BIS added 11 Chinese entities to its “Entity List,” citing activities that pose risks to US national security and foreign policy. The inclusion of these entities on the list will restrict trade with them and send a strong message against supporting China’s military modernization. This action underlines the United States’ strategic pivot in Asia, aiming to limit China’s influence while strengthening its relationships with key allies like India.
This decision is welcomed by India, with former Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu calling it a testament to the deepening partnership between the two nations. The move also aligns with the broader vision of the US-India relationship, with a focus on securing critical minerals and advancing clean energy supply chains. Ultimately, the lifting of these sanctions signals a growing trust between Washington and New Delhi, opening new opportunities for cooperation in energy security, scientific innovation, and technology development.
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