Academic access to Russia’s Nuclear Expertise deepens India-Russia bilateral cooperation

While the bilateral ties with Russia constitute an integral cornerstone of India’s foreign policy, the strategic alliance between the two countries is rooted in history, reciprocity, and amicable partnership.

Among other areas of strategic co-operation, civil nuclear energy has traditionally been regarded as the crucial pillar of India-Russia bilateral partnership, exceedingly over 3 decades. Also, the year 2021 commemorates the 73rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Russia.

India’s three staged civil nuclear energy program is a reflection of the country’s economic and scientific advancements. Since then, India has made significant strides in the field of nuclear energy. Globally, the Russian nuclear industry is perceived as an undisputed leader in advanced nuclear technology, offering cutting-edge engineering and design solutions in the domain of advanced nuclear reactors and nuclear fuel manufacturing. Subsequently, India’s time-tested diplomatic co-operation with Russia over the years positions Russia to emerge as an ideal partner to further India’s civil nuclear energy program.

India-Russia Nuclear Energy Cooperation –
Furthermore, In India, Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom is constructing six units of nuclear reactors at the Kudankulam site in Tamil Nadu with an installed capacity of 1,000 MW each. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) is one of the largest nuclear power stations in India and the first 2 units are already generating GWs into the national power grid.

While the construction of Units 3 and 4 is underway, the Strategic Vision adopted in December 2014 is strengthening cooperation in the peaceful use of atomic energy between Russia and India.

The growing partnership in the nuclear power sector between India and Russia has opened opportunities for developing advanced nuclear manufacturing capabilities in India in line with India’s “Make in India” initiative. For India, local manufacturing of critical components and equipment for upcoming Russian-designed nuclear power projects is a step towards furthering India’s comprehensive Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

To further strengthen India’s nuclear energy prospects on Indian soil, India must pursue comprehensive technology transfer and information exchange agreements with Russia.