Q. With reference to the Indo-U.S. Nuclear Agreement, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
1.It granted India a status similar to Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) signatories without actually signing the treaty.
2.The agreement focused on advancing India’s nuclear research facilities for scientific and technological innovation.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Explanations –
Statement 1 is correct. The agreement effectively normalized India’s status as a de facto nuclear weapon state outside the NPT. While India did not sign the NPT, the deal allowed India to access nuclear technology and engage in international nuclear trade, similar to NPT-recognized nuclear-weapon states, without binding it to the treaty’s disarmament obligations.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The primary focus of the agreement was on enabling civil nuclear cooperation between India and the U.S., particularly for energy generation. It aimed to address India’s growing energy needs by facilitating access to nuclear fuel, reactors, and technology for civilian purposes. Advancing research facilities was not a central objective of the deal.
Source: The Hindu
