A nuclear trade deal struck last year between India and the United States remains on course to be implemented, after the ruling left-of-centre United Progressive Alliance (UPA) secured an unexpectedly decisive victory in India's elections.

Opposition parties had vowed to review the deal if they came to power, arguing it would reduce the independence of India's domestic nuclear programme.

Aside from nuclear policy, the contesting parties broadly agreed on scientific issues. But the continuity assured by the election of prime minister Manmohan Singh to a second term in office means that the science agenda can move forwards without disruption, says Rajagopala Chidambaram, principal science adviser to the government.

The UPA has committed to raise government spending on science from 0.9% of gross domestic product to 2% by 2012.