India–Russia nuclear cooperation to deepen at December summit

India and Russia are preparing to strengthen their civil nuclear partnership at the upcoming annual summit, where small and modular reactors (SMRs), fuel-cycle technologies and progress at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) will dominate discussions. The meeting is expected to chart the next phase of collaboration as both countries expand long-term strategic energy ties.

Focus on SMRs and new-generation technologies

Rosatom’s director general met India’s atomic energy leadership in Mumbai to outline future cooperation areas. Both sides explored opportunities for joint development of SMRs, which promise flexible deployment, lower upfront costs and enhanced safety features. They also discussed advances in the nuclear fuel cycle, including enriched fuel supply, waste management solutions and research-driven collaborations.

Steady progress at Kudankulam project

The Kudankulam plant remains the centrepiece of India–Russia nuclear cooperation. Units 1 and 2 are already operational and supply power to southern India. Unit 3 has reached the pre-commissioning stage, with safety-system testing scheduled as the next milestone. Construction continues at Unit 4, while Units 5 and 6, part of the plant’s third phase, are advancing with installation and equipment deliveries.

Expanding cooperation beyond Kudankulam

Both countries are examining new avenues for project diversification, including potential SMR deployments in regions with lower grid capacity and joint research on high-efficiency reactor designs. Greater localisation of nuclear equipment is another priority, aimed at reducing costs, streamlining supply chains and strengthening India’s domestic manufacturing base for the nuclear sector.

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 offer modular construction, lower costs and enhanced safety features.
• India and Russia collaborate across the full nuclear fuel cycle.

Strategic significance for bilateral energy ties

The December summit is expected to reaffirm nuclear power as a pillar of India–Russia cooperation. With growing electricity demand and rising clean-energy commitments, India views nuclear energy as essential for long-term energy security. Russia, a key partner in reactor technology and fuel supply, is positioned to play a major role in India’s next wave of nuclear expansion, from large reactors to advanced modular systems.