Subject: GS 02: International Relations
Context: The US and Saudi Arabia have signed a 30-year “peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement.
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Key Highlights of the Deal
- 123 Agreement: The deal includes an agreement under Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act, 1954, enabling US companies to supply civilian nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia.
- Safeguards: It is accompanied by a bilateral safeguards agreement and is presented by the US administration as supporting nuclear safety and global non-proliferation standards (NPT)
- Strategic and Economic Significance: The agreement is expected to strengthen US-Saudi strategic relations, create commercial opportunities and jobs in the US, and expand Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear energy capabilities.
What Is a 123 Agreement?
- Named after Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act, 1954.
- A legally binding prerequisite for any significant US nuclear cooperation with another country.
- Facilitates transfer of nuclear materials, equipment, and technology for peaceful purposes, while requiring compliance with international non-proliferation norms.
- Provides a framework for technical exchange, scientific research, and safeguards discussions.
- India is a signatory :
- India’s 123 Agreement is a landmark precedent, since India is a non-NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) nuclear weapons state.
- The US exempted India from the “full-scope safeguards” requirement under Section 123(a)(2) of the Atomic Energy Act which mandates
About the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
- Introduction: The NPT is a major international treaty designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons while promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy and advancing nuclear disarmament.
- Origin: The treaty was opened for signature in 1968 and entered into force on March 5, 1970; it was extended indefinitely in 1995.
- Key Provisions: The NPT rests on three pillars; nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear disarmament and peaceful use of nuclear energy.
- Non-nuclear-weapon states agree not to acquire nuclear weapons, while nuclear-weapon states commit to non-transfer of nuclear weapons and pursue disarmament.
- Nuclear-Weapon States: The NPT recognises five nuclear-weapon states—the US, Russia, UK, France and China which tested nuclear weapons before January 1, 1967.
- Verification: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) plays a key role in verifying compliance through safeguards and monitoring peaceful nuclear activities.
- Parties to NPT: The treaty has 191 states parties, making it one of the most widely accepted arms-control agreements. India, Pakistan and Israel have not signed the NPT, while North Korea withdrew in 2003.
- India’s Stand: India considers the NPT discriminatory and unequal because it permanently divides countries into nuclear-weapon and non-nuclear-weapon states.
- India supports universal, non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament while maintaining its independent nuclear doctrine.
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