Let us not be too excited about the nuclear “breakthrough” between Barack Obama and Narendra Modi. The deal aims to cap the liabilities of US suppliers to India’s civil nuclear programme should there ever be an accident. This has hitherto been a barrier to trade and investment. But the pact is far from completed. Nor is it likely to open the floodgates to US investment in India’s nuclear power industry.
The point of the original 2005 deal between George W Bush and Manmohan Singh was to give India implicit recognition of its nuclear weapons status. New Delhi achieved what it wanted. Having together watched the annual Republic Day parade of India’s military hardware, Messrs Obama and Modi have put relations on a more intimate footing, hugging and joking like lost brothers. Unlikely a “bromance” though it is, the two have restored sparkle to what should be a natural alliance.
The goal now, as ever in the often emotionally overwrought US-India relationship, is to add substance to symbolism. Most of the onus will rest on Mr Modi to deliver on promised economic reforms. But Mr Obama too must follow up on the hopes he has invested in India as a strategic partner.