A senior US diplomat stated on Monday that the Obama administration aims to expand on the US-India civilian nuclear power deal in order to collaborate with India on enhancing the global non-proliferation system. US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg emphasized that both countries have a responsibility to strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty system following the 2005 agreement that allowed India to import nuclear technology after a 33-year hiatus. Despite India not being a signatory to the NPT, Steinberg suggested that India has the potential to contribute to an international effort to address nuclear proliferation concerns. The Nuclear Suppliers Group recently agreed to lift a ban on nuclear trade with India, which was originally imposed due to India's nuclear testing 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 countries that have not signed the NPT. India's special envoy for nuclear and climate issues highlighted that the nuclear deal and NSG waiver have elevated India's status as a global nuclear partner. This agreement has opened up new possibilities for engagement on previously sensitive issues, according to envoy Shyam Saran. Steinberg emphasized the importance of addressing the challenge of bringing India and Pakistan into the NPT framework. It would be determined through discussions how Washington and New Delhi would collaborate on non-proliferation matters after the Obama administration appointed key officials and after India's general elections in April and May, he explained.