In a significant development for India's energy sector, Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom has announced plans for multiple nuclear projects across the country, emphasizing that nuclear cooperation with India remains a top priority despite global geopolitical challenges.
Geopolitical Climate Boosts Nuclear Partnership
Rosatom's Director General Alexey Likhachev revealed that the current geopolitical situation has provided new reasons and additional impetus for strengthening nuclear ties between India and Russia. During his recent visit to Mumbai where he met Department of Atomic Energy chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Likhachev emphasized that expanding nuclear cooperation has always been a priority for both nations.
The timing of this enhanced cooperation comes as both countries adapt to changing global dynamics, with Likhachev noting that they had to make adjustments on the fly when some countries began implementing sanction threats. He praised India as a friendly nation that replaced supplies from countries that demonstrated disloyalty to their obligations.
India's Ambitious Nuclear Energy Roadmap
The Russian nuclear chief highlighted India's ambitious plan to increase its nuclear generation capacity tenfold from the current 10 GW to 100 GW over the next 20-25 years, describing it as a very inspiring task. According to Likhachev, approximately half of this massive expansion will be accomplished through traditional interstate cooperation, while a significant part may involve international investment and private capital.
This expansion aligns with India's growing energy needs and its commitment to clean energy sources. The substantial scale-up represents one of the most ambitious nuclear power programs globally and positions India as a key player in the international nuclear energy landscape.
New Projects and Advanced Technology
According to recent reports, Russian organizations are currently developing technical specifications for a new nuclear power plant in India that will feature advanced VVER-1200 reactors, representing the latest in nuclear technology. Another exciting area under discussion involves the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs) of Russian design in India.
Both sides also reviewed progress on the flagship Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu, which remains India's largest nuclear facility. Discussions covered expanding partnership to develop projects for both large and small-scale nuclear power plants and cooperation in the nuclear fuel cycle, with particular focus on localizing equipment production in India.
We have built an effective interaction system and a reliable supply chain, which now serve as the basis for further development of new projects whether for large or small-scale power plants, Likhachev stated, underscoring the robust foundation of the India-Russia nuclear partnership.
The enhanced cooperation comes at a crucial time when India is seeking to diversify its energy mix and reduce carbon emissions, while Russia continues to strengthen its position as a reliable partner in India's nuclear energy journey.
