Trump Signs US Defence Bill, Pushes Nuclear Liability Talks
The United States Congress has passed its annual National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2026, which President Donald Trump signed into law on 19 December 2025. The legislation includes a provision directing US officials to work with India to explore aligning India’s nuclear liability rules with global norms as part of broader cooperation under the US–India Strategic Security Dialogue.
What the Law Says
The NDAA sets US defence policy and spending priorities for the coming year. Alongside expanded military and strategic cooperation with partners in the Indo-Pacific, the law mandates that the US Secretary of State and other relevant officials establish a recurring consultative mechanism with India. This joint assessment will review how India’s domestic nuclear liability framework could be brought closer to international standards and consider diplomatic strategies to advance civil nuclear cooperation.
Background on India’s Liability Rules
India has recently reformed its nuclear liability regime by passing the SHANTI Bill, which replaces older laws including the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010. These reforms aim to modernise liability provisions, encourage private and foreign participation in nuclear energy, and align the framework more with international practices. The law opens the sector to private companies and joint ventures and moves away from unlimited supplier liability seen under the earlier regime.
Strategic and Diplomatic Context
The defence act’s provision on nuclear liability reflects ongoing US interest in deepening ties with India, particularly in defence and civil nuclear cooperation. By calling for regular discussions on liability standards and implementation of the 2008 civil nuclear cooperation agreement, the law embeds these issues in formal strategic engagements.
What’s Next
US and Indian officials are expected to begin consultations under the newly mandated mechanism in the months ahead. Observers say this could pave the way for greater bilateral cooperation in nuclear energy and technology exchange, though implementation details will depend on both governments’ priorities.
