Indo-US Nuclear Collaboration: Key Legal and Strategic Issues

The discourse on strengthening Indo-US nuclear collaboration highlights two principal legal impediments, each from the American and Indian contexts, impacting potential partnerships in nuclear energy development.

Legal Barriers

• American Side - ‘10CFR810’ Authorisation:
  • This regulation allows US nuclear vendors to export equipment to countries including India under strict safeguards.
  • It prohibits the manufacturing of nuclear equipment or performing nuclear design work in India.
  • This is a significant hindrance from India's viewpoint, which aims to engage in the manufacturing value chain for jointly planned atomic power projects.
• Indian Side - Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010:
  • Creates a mechanism for compensating nuclear accident victims and allocates liability.
  • Foreign companies like GE-Hitachi, Westinghouse, and Orano view this as a barrier, citing the channeling of operator liability to equipment suppliers as a major concern.

Strategic Initiatives and Opportunities

• US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET):
  • Aims to address concerns on both sides to enable jointly manufactured nuclear components for new projects in India using American reactors.
• India's Position:
  • India is positioning itself as a credible hub for manufacturing nuclear reactors, especially small modular reactors (SMRs) with capacities between 30MWe and 300MWe.
• Global Context:
  • China is also advancing in the SMR space for global leadership, using it as a diplomatic tool in the Global South.

Technological and Collaborative Aspects

• India's Current Reactor Technology:
  • India's expertise lies in manufacturing 220MWe PHWRs, which rely on heavy water and natural uranium.
  • These are becoming less aligned with the globally dominant light water reactors (LWRs).
• Collaborative Opportunities:
  • Partnerships with the US could be mutually beneficial, considering India's tech constraints and the US's high labor costs and protectionist trends.

Indonesia Joins BRICS

Brazil announced on January 6, 2025, that Indonesia has become a full member of the BRICS bloc, which is recognized as a counterweight to Western economies.

Background and Context

• The announcement was made during the G20 Leaders' Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• Brazil holds the rotating presidency of BRICS in 2025.
• Indonesia's membership was approved during the 2023 Johannesburg summit.

Significance of Indonesia's Membership

• Indonesia is the world's fourth-most populous nation.
• It has the largest population and economy in Southeast Asia.
• Indonesia's membership aligns with BRICS' goals of reforming global governance institutions.
• It contributes positively to enhancing South-South cooperation.

BRICS Formation and Expansion

• BRICS was initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China in 2009.
• South Africa joined the bloc in 2010.
• Recent expansions include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.
• Saudi Arabia has been invited to join, but has not yet committed.
• Other countries like Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have applied for membership.

Justin Trudeau's Resignation

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation amidst growing discontent over his leadership and internal government turmoil. This decision follows the unexpected resignation of his finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, highlighting mounting challenges within the administration.

Reasons for Resignation

• Trudeau acknowledged he cannot lead in the upcoming elections due to internal party conflicts.
• The resignation is meant to allow a new leader to emerge for Canada's Liberal Party.
• Trudeau emphasized prioritizing the interests of Canadians and democratic well-being.

Political Implications

• Parliament will be suspended until March 24 to facilitate the Liberal Party leadership race.
• Opposition parties plan to initiate a no-confidence vote, potentially leading to a spring election.

Challenges and Criticisms

• Trudeau's popularity declined due to issues like rising costs of living and immigration concerns.
• Economic tensions with the U.S., especially threats of tariffs by President-elect Donald Trump, posed significant challenges.
• Freeland opposed Trudeau's policies, such as a temporary sales tax holiday and direct cash payments to citizens, viewing them as fiscally irresponsible amidst looming tariff threats.

Trudeau's Legacy

• Trudeau's tenure included advocacy for immigration, diversity, gender equality, and cannabis legalization.
• He faced criticism for balancing economic growth and environmental protection, and for unpopular policies like vaccine mandates.
• Despite scandals and policy backlash, he led significant causes favoring his liberal base.

Background and Personal Life

• Trudeau came to power in 2015 after a decade of Conservative rule, initially celebrated for reviving liberal ideals.
• He is the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, a prominent figure in Canadian history known for his immigration policies.
• Trudeau's personal background includes roles such as a teacher and snowboard instructor, and he has three children with his estranged wife.