India and Russia Strengthen Ties with New Nuclear Energy Initiatives

India and Russia are enhancing their partnership in nuclear energy, emphasizing the construction of a second nuclear power plant with Russian reactors and exploring small modular reactors. The discussions aimed at bolstering clean energy generation, reviewing the Kudankulam plant, and broadening cooperation in the nuclear domain.

In a significant development, India and Russia are poised to bolster their partnership in nuclear energy, setting the stage for the construction of a second nuclear power plant in India featuring Russian reactors. The summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin highlighted cooperation on small modular reactors as a key focus.

The discussions underscored the enduring importance of energy security as a pillar of India-Russia relations. 'Our decades-old cooperation in civil nuclear energy has been pivotal in advancing clean-energy priorities,' Modi noted. The talks reviewed progress on the Kudankulam nuclear plant, emphasizing its role in meeting India's energy needs.

Both sides expressed intent to expand collaboration in nuclear energy, with potential avenues including small modular reactors and non-energy applications such as medicine and agriculture. The joint statement highlighted the strategic importance of peaceful nuclear cooperation, aligned with India's goal to boost nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047.

(With inputs from agencies.)