A firm framework is needed to deal with Washington when it comes to civil nuclear energy, Srijan Pal Singh has told RT India

The frequent threat of tariffs causes India to view the US as an unreliable partner, especially considering its interest in the domestic nuclear sector, a former presidential aide has told RT India.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated America’s interest in India’s nuclear sector in a phone call with Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday, though trade negotiations are yet to make headway despite several rounds of talks.

“You cannot use tariffs as a way to threaten us and expect to have a free run in the Indian nuclear market,” Srijan Pal Singh, an author, scientist, and adviser of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, told RT India in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

US Is A 'Flip-Flop, Constantly Changing Partner' - Author & Scientist Srijan Pal Singh To RT India

Following the tariffs fiasco, he urges caution in trade ties with the US, as "no long-term partnership is safe. Washington has not proven...that there is no long-term partnership… pic.twitter.com/D7DZ6adQBx

— RT_India (@RT_India_news) January 15, 2026

“We should be treated with respect,” Singh said. “New Delhi has to be very cautious in dealing with the US. It is a new ball game as private companies come in. We have to ensure that transfer of technology is done.”

In December, India introduced legislation to open up its nuclear sector, which aims to boost atomic energy generation to 100 gigawatts by 2047.

The new Indian law removed a contentious liability clause for suppliers of fuel and technology, and rationalized payouts by nuclear plant operators in case of accidents.

The liability issue should be far more extensive, and India needs a firm framework for any agreement with US companies, Singh added.

The US imposed a 50% tariff on India in August 2025, half of which was a punitive tariff for its purchases of Russian oil. Though several rounds of trade talks have been completed, a trade deal remains elusive.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned of higher tariffs amid trade talks, and has backed a bipartisan bill that would authorize him to impose a 500% tariff on countries involved in trading with Russia.

Sergio Gor, the US ambassador to India, has said the countries will continue to work on issues such as security, counterterrorism, energy, technology, education, and health.