The 123 agreement, also known as the U.S.–India Civil Nuclear Agreement, is a bilateral agreement between the United States and India that governs civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries. The agreement was signed in 2008 and came into effect in 2010 after being ratified by both countries.

The agreement is named after Section 123 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, which outlines the requirements for nuclear cooperation between the United States and other countries. The 123 agreement with India was significant because it marked the end of a nuclear cooperation ban that had been in place since India conducted nuclear tests in 1974.

The agreement allows for the United States to provide India with nuclear technology, equipment, and materials for peaceful purposes such as power generation. India, in turn, is required to separate its civil and military nuclear facilities and allow international inspections of its civil nuclear program.

The 123 agreement between the United States and India is a landmark agreement that has significant implications for the global nuclear landscape. It signals a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards India and allows for increased cooperation between the two countries on nuclear energy.

It is important to note that the 123 agreement is only between the United States and India. Other countries that wish to engage in civil nuclear cooperation with India must negotiate separate agreements.

In conclusion, the 123 agreement is a bilateral agreement between the United States and India that governs civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries. It is named after Section 123 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act and came into effect in 2010. The agreement allows for increased cooperation between the United States and India on nuclear energy and signals a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards India.