The Associated Press reported earlier Tuesday that France and India signed a ‘major nuclear deal’ which ‘opens the way for the sale of French nuclear reactors to New Delhi.’

The deal comes shortly after the United States recognized India as a nuclear power, and made clear that it would not insist on nuclear disarmament.

India has historically been a reasonably staunch ally of the West and an enemy of Muslim extremists, mostly because said extremists did their best to create chaos in India – a country many of them believe should be ruled by Muslims, not Hindus, and should have no religious tolerance. Furthermore, some parts of India have majority Muslim populations, these populations often want either independence or autonomy.

Pakistan has also become an ally of the West in recent years, but is the archenemy of India. The two countries have waged open and secret wars against each other for decades. Both are, however, nuclear powers.

The deal between France and India is likely to strain the relationship with Pakistan even further. Pakistan fears India’s rising power, technological development and economic progress.

Details about the deal aren’t known yet. More on this later.