Current Affairs - International - Discussion

The United States approved Holtec International to transfer unclassified SMR technology to three Indian private companies under regulation 10CFR810. This move operationalizes the 2008 India-US Civil Nuclear Deal, or 123 Agreement, by allowing private sector involvement in India’s nuclear energy sector. The authorization is valid for ten years and ensures compliance with global non-proliferation norms, as technology use is limited to peaceful civilian purposes under IAEA safeguards. The deal promotes indigenous manufacturing and positions India as a hub for nuclear technology, especially in the Global South. It marks a significant shift from state-controlled to public-private partnerships in nuclear development.