Trump’s Saudi Arabia nuclear gambit marks important shift

India is largely absent from the emerging nuclear industrial competition in the Middle East. This reflects decades of resistance in Delhi and Mumbai to reforming the atomic energy sector. 2 min readJul 25, 2026 06:45 AM IST First published on: Jul 25, 2026 at 06:45 AM IST Washington’s decision to sign a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia marks an important shift in Middle East geopolitics — and highlights the growing role of advanced technologies in the regional power balance. The agreement will face close scrutiny in the US Congress, along with opposition from Israel’s supporters and the non-proliferation community. The deal will help Riyadh build a civilian nuclear energy programme and reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons. Washington wants American companies to build