The Nuclear Suppliers Group reversed a 34 years old nuclear trade ban on India by approving the Indo-US nuclear agreement. This nuclear deal has managed to end an era of nuclear trade restrictions and has opened the door for regulated proliferation. Also, the international non-proliferation system has accommodated a non-NPT state into the NPT regime. This is unprecedented and has resulted in a structural change in the international system.

It is interesting to see how this deal is being viewed in Pakistan, and how the general debate on various nuclear treaties is unfolding in Pakistan. With Indian influence increasing in US policy circles, it should not be taken for granted that since Pakistan is a US ally in its war on terrorism, the latter will ignore the increasing Indian noise about the “instability” factor in the region and implicating Pakistan. Arguing that “Indian safety and success are strategic assets for the US” (Tellis 2005), India has carved out a strategic space for itself in the region, confirmed and sealed by this agreement.