A senior US diplomat stated that the Obama administration aims to expand on the US-India nuclear power deal to collaborate with India in strengthening the global non-proliferation system. The 2005 agreement allowed India to import nuclear technology after a long freeze, and both countries now have a responsibility to enhance the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty system. The diplomat emphasized the importance of creating a stronger NPT regime to promote safe and affordable nuclear power for global energy needs while preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. Despite not being a signatory to the NPT, India is urged to consider making commitments to participate in an international approach. The Nuclear Suppliers Group recently lifted a ban on nuclear trade with India, which was imposed in response to its first nuclear test in 1974 and its refusal to join the NPT. Washington faced significant opposition but ultimately succeeded in obtaining the NSG waiver to move forward with the nuclear cooperation pact, a crucial goal for the United States in terms of strategy, clean energy, environment, and commerce. India, Pakistan, and Israel are the only three countries that have never signed the NPT. India's special envoy for nuclear issues and climate change emphasized that the nuclear deal and NSG waiver have elevated India to a recognized partner in the global nuclear arena. The envoy, Shyam Saran, expressed gratitude for the civil nuclear agreement, stating that it has opened up new opportunities for engagement on previously sensitive and contentious issues. Addressing the challenge of integrating India and Pakistan into the NPT framework is deemed a critical issue by Steinberg. It was mentioned that the details of how Washington and New Delhi would collaborate on non-proliferation matters would be discussed in talks after the Obama administration appointed key officials and after India's general elections in April and May.