Indo-US civil nuclear deal
Also called: 123 Agreement · Topic: Recent Developments in Indian Politics: Coalitions, Mandal and a New Consensus · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 8 "Recent Developments in Indian Politics"
Meaning
The Indo-US civil nuclear deal allowed the US to cooperate with India on civilian nuclear energy, even though India has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). India pursued the deal from 2005. It was sealed by the 123 Agreement in 2008. The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) gave India a waiver in September 2008. The deal matters for polity because it showed that one coalition partner can block, or "veto", a government's policy.
Example
The Left parties supported the UPA government from outside, and they opposed the deal. They withdrew their support in July 2008. The UPA still won a trust vote, a vote in the Lok Sabha showing the government has a majority, and completed its full term.
Don't confuse with
- TMC's exit over retail FDI (2012): This was another case of an ally walking out over policy. It concerned foreign investment in retail, not nuclear energy.