The Indian Express newspaper said the agreement would mean a shift in the US stance from "presumption of denial" to "presumption of approval" for export of sensitive technologies to India, marking a transformation in relations between the two countries.

Washington imposed military sanctions on India and Pakistan after the rivals conducted nuclear tests in 1998.

The sanctions were lifted after both countries promised support for the US-led "war on terrorism" following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US.

It was not clear if the agreement would free up access to dual-use technology.

Indian companies buying such technologies will probably have to sign an agreement to prevent their transfer to other countries.

SPACE.WIRE