The Congress led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government negotiated with the Bush Administration a Civilian Nuclear Deal (CND) in July 2005. There is no indication that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had taken Parliament into confidence before he went to the US. However, he made a statement on the CND soon after his return on 29 July. There was a detailed discussion on it in the Parliament in August 2005, which went on along the usual party lines. The Congress members eulogised the PM for his achievement while the BJP—which had in fact initiated talks with the US Government for a civil Nuclear Deal—opposed it. Elders in the Rajya Sabha, based on their past experience, cautioned the Government on possible stabbing in the back by the US1.

What is the significance of the Nuclear Deal to India? Why was it not implemented even though more than 18 months are over after it was signed on 18 July 2005? If the CND were implemented after overcoming all hurdles, could we hope to see great improvement in India-US relations? This paper aims to understand the significance of the Nuclear Deal for both the countries. At the same time, it also tries to explain the delay in the implementation of the Deal because of the unique legislative process in the American system of Government. The paper also tries to evaluate the possible success of the two Governments in overcoming the legislative hurdles in implementing the Deal and its positive role in improving India-US relations.

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