Manmohan Singh: The Architect of India’s Nuclear Rebirth

Manmohan Singh, India’s former Prime Minister, will be remembered as a leader of quiet determination and monumental achievements. While his tenure had its share of controversies and criticisms, one milestone stood out as his crowning glory: the India-US nuclear deal. Described by Singh himself as his “biggest achievement as Prime Minister,” this landmark agreement not only changed India’s relationship with the United States of America (USA) but also ended decades of global isolation for India in the nuclear domain.

The story of this deal is one of resilience, political courage, and statesmanship. Singh faced opposition from within his party, fended off attacks from the Left, and outmaneuvered global powers like China to secure a place for India on the world stage. This is the tale of how Singh accomplished what many thought was impossible.

To understand the importance of the nuclear deal, one must revisit the historical roots of India’s nuclear journey. In 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test in Pokhran, Rajasthan, defying global norms and asserting its strategic independence. The reaction from the international community was swift and punitive. The USA, which had been a key partner in India’s civilian nuclear program, severed ties, and a new global cartel—the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)—was formed to restrict access to nuclear technology and materials.

This regime, often called “nuclear apartheid,” left India out in the cold. Denied access to advanced nuclear technologies, India struggled to develop its civilian and military programs. Relations with powerful nations, especially the United States, became strained. Despite these challenges, India refused to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which it viewed as discriminatory and biased in favor of nuclear-armed states.

By the 1990s, however, both India and the US were eager to move past the legacy of mistrust. India, with its growing economy, needed nuclear energy to fuel its development, while the USA sought to build ties with a fast-rising democracy that could counterbalance China.

When Manmohan Singh became Prime Minister in 2004, he inherited a nation on the cusp of transformation. Singh, a technocrat with an economist’s pragmatism, recognized the strategic importance of ending India’s nuclear isolation. Soon after taking office, he met with U.S. officials to explore a groundbreaking deal that would allow India to access civilian nuclear technology while maintaining its strategic autonomy.

In July 2005, during Singh’s visit to Washington, both nations announced their intent to negotiate the nuclear agreement. The road ahead, however, was fraught with challenges. Singh faced fierce opposition from the Left, a critical ally in his coalition government, which accused him of aligning India too closely with the USA. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also opposed the deal, questioning its impact on India’s sovereignty. Even within his own Congress Party, there were doubts about trusting the US.

Through 2005 and 2006, Singh worked tirelessly to bridge differences with the United States and sell the deal to skeptics at home. Negotiations nearly collapsed multiple times, particularly over the extent of international inspections on India’s nuclear facilities. Singh’s personal rapport with President George W. Bush proved crucial. When talks stalled in early 2006, Singh sent a personal message to Bush, urging him to push the agreement forward.

The breakthrough came when the US agreed to respect India’s “red lines,” allowing the deal to move forward. In 2006, the U.S. Congress approved changes to its domestic laws to facilitate nuclear cooperation with India—a testament to the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.

But back home, the situation was deteriorating. The Left parties, a vital part of Singh’s coalition, threatened to withdraw support, arguing that the deal undermined India’s independence. Singh, known for his usually reserved demeanor, surprised many by standing firm. He dared the Left to pull out, signaling his willingness to risk his government for the deal.

In 2008, with the clock ticking on Bush’s presidency, Singh made his final push. He staked his political future on the deal, even threatening to resign if the Congress Party failed to back him. His gamble paid off. Sonia Gandhi, Congress president, sided with Singh, and the party secured new allies to survive a no-confidence motion after the Left formally withdrew support.

This political victory at home was followed by a diplomatic offensive abroad. India and the US worked together to convince the NSG to lift restrictions on nuclear trade with India. This was no small feat, as countries like China sought to block India’s entry into the global nuclear marketplace. Singh’s persistence, coupled with the US’ diplomatic clout, finally isolated China. On September 6, 2008, the NSG approved the deal, ending decades of nuclear apartheid.

The India-US nuclear deal was more than a policy achievement; it was a transformative moment in India’s global trajectory. For the first time, India was formally recognized as a responsible nuclear power, capable of contributing to global security. The deal opened doors for international collaboration in nuclear energy, helping India meet its growing energy needs.

Moreover, the agreement redefined India’s relationship with the USA, laying the foundation for a strategic partnership that continues to grow. It also sent a powerful message to the world: India was no longer content to be a bystander but was ready to play a leading role on the global stage.

Manmohan Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister will be debated for years to come, but his role in securing the nuclear deal remains an undisputed triumph. It showcased his ability to navigate complex political and diplomatic terrain with resolve and vision. Singh may not have been the most charismatic leader, but he proved that quiet determination could achieve great things.

As we mourn his passing, we remember him not just as an economist-turned-politician, but as a statesman who dared to dream big for India. The nuclear deal was his finest hour—a testament to his belief in India’s potential and his unwavering commitment to its future.

In the end, Manmohan Singh’s legacy is one of transformation. He showed us that leadership is not always about loud proclamations but about the courage to make difficult decisions for the greater good. And for that, India will forever be grateful.