Russia Proposes Building Small Tropical NPPs in India, Boosting Bilateral Cooperation

India emphasised the significance of nuclear technology cooperation with Russia, which proposed assistance in constructing small tropical nuclear power stations. "Russia offers cooperation in building small tropical nuclear power stations to India with the possibility of their deep localisation, including transfer of the construction part to New Delhi," stated Alexey Likhachev, CEO of Rosatom, during a tour for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Atom Pavilion.

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Modi and Putin visited the Atom Pavilion at VDNKh, which opened in November 2023 and is one of the largest exhibitions showcasing scientific and technological advancements. Modi also viewed a photo exhibition highlighting India-Russia civil nuclear energy cooperation. "Visited the Atom Pavilion with President Putin. Energy is an important pillar of cooperation between India and Russia and we are eager to further cement ties in this sector," Modi posted on his official X platform along with photographs from the visit.

India-Russia Nuclear Collaboration

The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) in India is a significant project under this collaboration, featuring six 1,000 MW reactors. Units No. 1 and No. 2 have been operational since their commissioning, with construction ongoing for units No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, and No. 6, expected to be completed by 2027. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced plans to identify additional facilities for future projects.

During the visit, Modi was shown the ‘Atomic Symphony,’ a working model of the VVER-1000 reactor, which is central to KKNPP. The MEA stated: "Prime Minister Modi was also shown the ‘Atomic Symphony’ – a permanent working model of the VVER-1000 reactor, which is the heart of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant KKNPP in India."

Future Prospects in Nuclear Technology

Rosatom's CEO highlighted plans to develop fourth-generation nuclear technologies in India. "We are currently developing the agenda of further cooperation. As we have tested each other and constructed very efficient relations in the present generation, the so-called 3+, we would like to move toward the fourth generation together," Likhachev said.

Likhachev elaborated on these advancements during an interview with Rossiya-24 TV news channel: "Those fourth generation are fast reactors, fast-neutron reactors, there is further modification and development of our VVER technologies, water-water reactors, there is fuel cycle closure, as well as such groundwork areas as thermo-nuke and quantum technology."

Earlier discussions between Department of Atomic Energy Secretary Ajit Kumar Mohanty and Likhachev focused on enhancing nuclear energy cooperation. They visited the Pilot Demonstration Energy Complex (PDEC) site in Seversk, Tomsk region in Russia to discuss prospective areas for collaboration.

Educational Engagements

At the Pavilion, Modi interacted with Indian and Russian students, encouraging them to explore future possibilities in science and technology for global benefit. The MEA posted on X: "At the Pavilion, the Prime Minister interacted with a group of Indian and Russian students. He encouraged them to look at future possibilities in the realm of science and technology, which could be harnessed for the benefit of future generations and for the planet."

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently mentioned India's search for additional sites for Russian nuclear reactors. This statement aligns with India's ongoing efforts to expand its nuclear energy infrastructure through international partnerships.

The visit underscores India's commitment to strengthening its multifaceted cooperation with Russia in peaceful uses of nuclear technology.