Following the Indo-US deal on civilian nuclear cooperation, other players are eager to bid for future nuclear energy projects in India. As India moves to settle its problems with the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), these states hope to participate and contribute to its nuclear energy programme.

India needs to keep in mind that apart from the USA, there are other suitable partners. The door opened for the USA must also be open to Russia and potential partners like France and Britain. Australia also needs to be accommodated in this schema. It is in India's interests to engage with the USA, but it is vital to realize that this edifice cannot be sustained without international cooperation. Balancing and improving its relations with China must, of course, also be on the Indian agenda.

In Australia, a fundamental change is underway. Speaking at a joint press conference with US Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice, Prime Minister John Howard indicated his approval of the Indo-US deal, and did not rule out the possibility of future policy change, suggesting that Howard might relax the current Australian ban on selling uranium to India. This view clearly derives from its recognition of India's value for the Australian uranium market. Although ambiguous, Howard's statement betrayed a new hope for working with India in the years to come.

In a more explicit manner, France has been engaging with India since early 1998. The French President's visit to India (19-21 February 2006) marks the cementing of a strategic partnership. Post-1998, the French have developed a focused and comprehensive strategy for India - the agreements signed in New Delhi, covering civilian nuclear programmes, defence cooperation, space, hi-technology, culture and academics are proof of this. France is in tune with and has allied with India's aspirations. Emphasizing this aspect, French President Jacques Chirac said that if the West does not help India to produce electricity using nuclear power, "we would allow a chimney for greenhouse gases to develop in India." Concretizing this view, France has assured India that it would help to generate consensus for the Indo-US deal.

China, on the other hand, has reacted cautiously, wary of accepting any parity with India. Beijing has urged India to sign the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and dismantle its nuclear weapons. In this context, India's strategic interests in improving relations with the US lie in New Delhi's relations with Beijing. While there is much talk about improving relations between India and China, both countries are competing in the energy field, with China seeming to have taken the edge. Therefore, by improving its relations with the US, India gains more leverage in its relations with China. Additionally, it must be noted that improving relations with the US does not mean that India has to limit its relationship with China. On the contrary, improving relations with the United States provides India with the ability to balance its foreign policy between the pressures placed on it by Washington and Beijing.

Regarding Russia, one must bear in mind that despite the otherwise excellent Indo-Russian bilateral relations, Moscow had categorically ruled out providing enriched uranium to India for the Tarapur nuclear power plant in 2004, citing NSG rules. It had also refused India's request for an additional two reactors (1,000 MW each) for the Koodankulam nuclear power project. But with the new Indo-US nuclear deal, Russia is all set to help India in acquiring the latest nuclear energy generation technology. An agreement to this effect was recently concluded when Russia agreed to supply fuel to the Tarapur nuclear power plant.

Britain is also in discussions with India about civil nuclear energy cooperation, among many other areas of cooperation such as strengthening collaboration in combating terrorism, expanding bilateral economic ties and UN reform. Britain, a key member of the NSG, has reiterated its support for the Indo-US deal, but indicated that it will resume nuclear business with India only after the 45-member grouping agrees to the same. This stand seems to have been influenced by British companies that have expressed interest in setting up nuclear reactors in India.

A balance involving so many players and their relations with India will not be easy to maintain, with various other power equations and domestic factors continually exerting influence on the partnership. This will also give rise to competition to gain dominance over established Indo-US or Indo-Russian security ties. But, the process of this evolution must be allowed to take its own course. India must learn to guide this growth, however, in such a way that it is fulfilling to its own interests.