Given the strengthening of U.S.-India relations, Washington and New Delhi should capitalize on the opportunity to expand bilateral cooperation on nuclear security matters. India's leadership at the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit in Washington demonstrates India's interest in enhancing the global nuclear security architecture through international collaboration. While the U.S.-India Civilian Nuclear Agreement provides a broad legal framework for bilateral nuclear cooperation, political action is necessary to utilize these arrangements focused on nuclear and radiological security. In addition, a new U.S.-India bilateral working group focused on nuclear and radiological security between the United States and India could establish a political framework for nuclear security cooperation that will further strengthen the countries' strategic relationship. While both countries already cooperate on defense and trade matters, the goodwill generated by shared commitment in nuclear security can accelerate and rejuvenate dialogue in other spheres of the U.S.-India bilateral relationship. The projects listed in this paper, and guided by the principles of mutual benefit, equality, and continuous improvement, will not only serve both countries' interests, but also strengthen international security by reducing the risks of nuclear terrorism. The United States and India both face the same threat of catastrophic nuclear terrorism, and both countries have much to offer on unique approaches to securing sensitive nuclear and radiological material.
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