U.S. removes export license requirements for nuclear items under NSSP

India and the United States have completed the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP) initiative, which was designed to increase cooperation in civilian nuclear activities, civilian space programs, high-technology trade, and missile defense.

Who it concerns: The agreement involves India and the United States, specifically referencing the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of India. It affects sectors including civilian nuclear activities, civilian space programs, high-technology trade, missile defense, and nuclear regulatory and safety issues.

What was agreed

• Completion of the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP) announced in January 2004.
• Expansion of the scope of bilateral commercial satellite cooperation.
• Removal of U.S. export license requirements for unilaterally controlled nuclear items to most end users.
• Revision of export license requirements for certain items going to safeguarded civil nuclear power facilities.
• Strengthening of laws, regulations, and export-related procedures to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Also in the document

• The completion of the NSSP enables the removal of U.S. export license requirements for unilaterally controlled nuclear items to most end users.
• The initiative facilitates expanded engagement in areas where cooperation was previously limited or non-existent, such as civilian nuclear activities and missile defense.