SOURCE: AFI
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has announced that New Delhi and Moscow are in the process of identifying additional sites for the construction of Russian-built nuclear reactors in India. Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Jaishankar highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the two nations, particularly emphasizing the significant progress made at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) in Tamil Nadu.
Kudankulam, India’s largest nuclear power plant, has seen substantial development with the help of Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom. Four reactors, each with a capacity of 1,000 Megawatts (MW), are already operational at the site. In December, India and Russia reached an agreement to construct two additional reactors, further enhancing the plant’s capacity and reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two countries in the energy sector.
“We are currently in discussions regarding the progress at Kudankulam. In fact, we are exploring additional sites for Russian reactors,” Jaishankar stated, underscoring the commitment to expand India’s nuclear energy infrastructure.
While the collaboration with Russia advances, India faces hurdles in its civil nuclear agreements with other countries due to liability issues stemming from the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010. This legislation, which holds suppliers accountable for any nuclear incidents, has complicated negotiations and delayed projects with other international partners.
As India continues to navigate the complexities of international nuclear agreements and domestic legislation, the expansion of nuclear infrastructure through reliable partnerships remains a top priority. The successful development of additional reactors will not only bolster India’s energy capacity but also reinforce its position as a key player in the global nuclear energy landscape.