In a significant development for bilateral relations between India and Russia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the establishment of a new nuclear power plant in India during Modi’s recent visit to Russia. The high-level talks, held in Moscow, underscore the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations.

The meeting focused on expanding nuclear energy cooperation, a cornerstone of India-Russia relations. Both leaders expressed optimism about the potential benefits of the proposed nuclear power plant, emphasizing its role in enhancing India’s energy security and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of nuclear energy in India’s energy mix, noting that it aligns with the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a sustainable energy future. “Nuclear energy is crucial for India’s energy security and our fight against climate change. This project will not only strengthen our bilateral ties but also pave the way for more clean energy initiatives,” Modi said.

President Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to supporting India’s energy goals, emphasizing the decades-long history of cooperation between the two nations in the nuclear sector. “Russia has always been a reliable partner for India in its nuclear energy journey. We are ready to provide advanced technology and expertise to help India achieve its energy objectives,” Putin stated.

The proposed nuclear power plant is expected to be built with Russian technology, leveraging the expertise of Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear corporation. Discussions also included the potential sites for the plant, safety measures, and timelines for project completion. Both leaders directed their respective teams to expedite the technical and regulatory approvals to ensure the project’s timely implementation.

This visit marks a continuation of the strong India-Russia partnership in the nuclear domain. Russia has already assisted India in constructing and operationalizing multiple reactors at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu. The new project aims to build on this successful collaboration, potentially increasing India’s nuclear power generation capacity significantly.

Beyond nuclear energy, the discussions also covered a broad range of topics, including trade, defense, space exploration, and cultural exchanges. Modi’s visit to Russia comes at a time of evolving global geopolitical dynamics, and the reaffirmation of India-Russia ties signals a commitment to mutual growth and cooperation.

The announcement of this new nuclear power plant project is expected to be met with keen interest from various stakeholders, including energy experts, environmentalists, and the business community. As India continues to seek sustainable and reliable energy sources, the collaboration with Russia in nuclear energy stands out as a strategic move towards achieving long-term energy goals.