United States and India. Nuclear partners

The United States and India completed negotiations on a nuclear cooperation deal that would offer enormous benefits for both sides. But neither country gave details of the long-delayed, controversial accord and acknowledged critical steps must be taken before it can be implemented. The pact, approved by India's cabinet, would allow India access to U.S. nuclear fuel and equipment for the first time in 30 years, even though New Delhi refused to join non-proliferation pacts and tested nuclear weapons. But before cooperation can begin, India must negotiate an inspection regime for its nuclear facilities with the International Atomic Energy Agency and win approval from the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group. Also, the U.S. Congress must approve it. Many lawmakers and nonproliferation experts are concerned about what they believe are U.S. concessions to the Indian nuclear establishment.