Enhancing India-Russia Civil Nuclear Partnership

India–Russia Nuclear Cooperation: Strengthening Civil Nuclear Partnership

India and Russia are set to deepen their civil nuclear partnership at the upcoming annual summit, where discussions will focus on small and modular reactors (SMRs), fuel-cycle technologies, and progress at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP). The meeting aims to outline the next phase of collaboration as both nations expand long-term strategic energy ties.

Focus on SMRs and New-Generation Technologies

Rosatom’s Director General recently met India’s atomic energy leadership in Mumbai to discuss future cooperation. Both sides explored opportunities for joint development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which offer flexible deployment, reduced upfront costs, and improved safety features. They also discussed advancements in the nuclear fuel cycle, covering enriched fuel supply, waste management, and joint research collaborations for advanced reactor systems.

Steady Progress at Kudankulam Project

The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) remains the cornerstone of India–Russia nuclear collaboration. Units 1 and 2 are already operational, supplying electricity to southern India. Unit 3 has reached the pre-commissioning stage, with safety-system testing planned as the next milestone. Construction at Unit 4 is ongoing, while Units 5 and 6 — part of the third phase — are progressing steadily with equipment installation and delivery.

Expanding Cooperation Beyond Kudankulam

Both nations are exploring new opportunities for project diversification, including potential deployment of SMRs in regions with lower grid capacity and joint research on high-efficiency reactor designs. Another key priority is greater localisation of nuclear equipment to reduce project costs, enhance domestic manufacturing, and strengthen India’s self-reliance in nuclear technology and supply chains.

Exam-Oriented Facts

• Kudankulam is India’s largest operational nuclear power facility.
• Units 1 and 2 were connected to the national grid in 2013 and 2016.
• SMRs feature modular construction, lower capital costs, and enhanced safety mechanisms.
• India and Russia collaborate across the entire nuclear fuel cycle, including fuel supply and waste management.

Strategic Significance for Bilateral Energy Ties

The upcoming India–Russia Summit (December) is expected to reaffirm nuclear power as a cornerstone of bilateral energy cooperation. With rising electricity demand and ambitious clean-energy goals, India views nuclear energy as vital for long-term energy security and sustainability. Russia, a key partner in reactor technology and nuclear fuel supply, is poised to play a major role in India’s next phase of nuclear expansion — from large reactors to advanced modular systems.