India eyes greater US role in energy, nuclear sectors amid trade talks

Indian trade negotiators are in the US to revive stalled trade discussions following a visit by officials from the Office of the United States Trade Representative in mid-September.

Amid ongoing trade tensions, India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the growing role of the US in India's energy security, noting that American involvement will be significant in the coming years.

According to an Indian Express report, Goyal expressed interest in small modular reactor (SMR) technologies and said both countries plan to deepen collaboration in nuclear energy. He made the remarks during his address at the India-US Strategic Forum in New York.

Indian trade negotiators are in the US to revive stalled trade discussions following a visit by officials from the Office of the United States Trade Representative in mid-September. "India is a major energy importer, including from the US, and we expect trade in energy products to grow in the years ahead," Goyal was quoted as saying by the IE report.

India remains the world's third-largest crude consumer, importing around 88% of its needs, and also relies heavily on liquefied natural gas (LNG). While the US is already among India's top suppliers of oil and LNG, commercial and logistical factors-such as shipping costs and refinery compatibility-will influence further import growth.

Despite US tariffs imposed on Indian goods over Russian oil imports, India has maintained its purchases from Moscow, citing economic and operational considerations. Indian refiners continue to import Russian crude as long as it remains commercially viable, while the government has called the US tariffs "unjustified and unreasonable."

Goyal emphasised that nuclear energy represents another key area for cooperation, particularly with private sector initiatives and SMRs from the US. India is also in the process of updating its nuclear liability laws to address investor concerns and facilitate growth in the civil nuclear sector.

Signs of easing tensions have emerged, with both governments reaffirming their "natural partnership" and commitment to continued trade and energy collaboration, despite ongoing US pressure regarding Russian oil and visa policy changes affecting Indian professionals.