The “landmark” agreement permits the United States to now sell nuclear fuel, technology and reactors to India for peaceful energy use. India never signed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, and New Delhi tested bombs in 1974 and 1998. The terms of the deal opened up fourteen civilian nuclear facilities to inspection. Some critics contend the deal goes against the United States’ policies to restrict or regulate the spread of nuclear weapons, because the deal may encourage states like Iran and North Korea to quicken their own ambitious nuclear programs.

The deal will endorse new commerce between the two states as India estimates that they will spend $175 billion over the next twenty-five years in an effort to expand its nuclear industry. United States companies will benefit as well, being that will be in consideration for contracts in India. The demand for nuclear energy is very high in India, and only about 3% of India’s produced energy comes from nuclear power. After signing the bill, India expects to provide 25% of the country’s electricity through nuclear power by the year 2050. In addition to the deal made with the United States, India also signed a co-operation pact that will lay the foundation for international commerce between France and India. France, the world’s second largest producer of nuclear energy will sell nuclear reactors to Delhi, enhancing the economies of both states. The diplomacy used throughout this deal illustrated that a foreign policy that implements compromise and negotiation will be beneficial to both states in the long run.