India and Russia have shared a historic and enduring bilateral relationship that has spanned centuries. From the early days of trading activities between Indian merchants and the Pazyryk area near Novosibirsk in the 4th to 3rd century BCE to the establishment of diplomatic missions in the 20th century, the ties between these two nations have stood the test of time.
Despite India's global nuclear isolation following the 1974 Pokhran nuclear test, the Soviet Union continued to support India's nuclear endeavours. Notably, the USSR supplied heavy water for Canadian-built reactors and provided fuel for the BWRs at Tarapur, Maharashtra. However, the dissolution of the USSR in 1991 temporarily disrupted the momentum of nuclear cooperation between the two countries.
But a major milestone in the nuclear cooperation between India and Russia was achieved in 2002 when the two signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and the first power generation project under this —the 1000 MW PWRs at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu —was set up in October, 2013.
Here is an appraisal of the nuclear energy partnership between the two countries when the Kudankulam project completes its first ten years of power generation.
The successful commissioning of the first two units in 2013 and 2016 respectively demonstrated the real potential of this partnership in terms of expanding India’s energy generation capabilities.
The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant not only provides a substantial contribution to India's energy needs but also showcases the technical prowess of Russian nuclear technology. The joint construction of units 3 & 4 and units 5 & 6 at Kudankulam, initiated in 2017 and 2021 respectively, further underscores the commitment of both nations to expanding their nuclear energy cooperation. Additionally, Russia's agreement to supply six more reactors to India solidifies the long-term prospects of this strategic partnership.
Beyond India, Russia's nuclear cooperation extends to neighbouring countries. The trilateral agreement signed in 2018, involving Russia's state energy corporation, Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation (ROSATOM), the Ministry of Science and Technology of Bangladesh, and the Department of Atomic Energy of India, has been another significant milestone in regional collaboration.
This agreement facilitates knowledge transfer, technical support, and regulatory assistance in the construction and operation of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh. Such cooperative endeavours not only strengthen regional ties but also enhance the peaceful utilisation of nuclear energy in the South Asian region.
Furthermore, ROSATOM's subsidiary, Isotope-Regional Alliance JSC, has been supplying Russian isotopes to India, exemplifying the diversification of collaboration beyond power generation. The recent delivery of germanium-68/gallium-68 (Ge-68/Ga-68) generators plays a vital role in nuclear medicine, contributing to the diagnosis of various oncological diseases using PET scanners. This cooperation in the field of healthcare underscores the multifaceted nature of the Indo-Russia nuclear partnership.
In addition to the technical aspects, the cultural and educational exchanges between Russia and India have further strengthened the bond between the two nations. ROSATOM's proactive engagement in media interaction, public outreach activities, and science festivals has facilitated the exchange of ideas and knowledge between Indian and Russian students, scientists, and experts. These initiatives not only promote scientific literacy but also foster cultural understanding and mutual respect.
Looking to the future, the Indo-Russia nuclear cooperation holds immense potential for further growth and collaboration. With ongoing projects at Kudankulam and plans for additional reactors, India and Russia are poised to deepen their nuclear energy partnership. The successful implementation of these projects will contribute to India's energy security, economic growth, and sustainable development. Furthermore, expanded cooperation can lead to technological advancements, research and development collaborations, and joint efforts in nuclear waste management and non-proliferation measures.
As India aims to meet its growing energy demands while transitioning towards cleaner and more sustainable sources, collaboration with Russia in the nuclear sector becomes even more crucial. The long-standing partnership between these two nations, built on trust, mutual interests, and shared values, positions them favourably for future advancements in nuclear energy.
The Indo-Russia nuclear cooperation stands as a shining example of a strong and enduring partnership. From the early days of the USSR's support to the present-day collaborative projects at Kudankulam, this strategic alliance has weathered the test of time. With the successful commissioning of the initial units and plans for expansion, the future holds immense promise for further cooperation in nuclear energy, research, and technology. By leveraging their respective strengths, India and Russia can lead the way in harnessing the potential of nuclear energy for sustainable development, energy security, and socio-economic progress.
—The author, Swapnesh Kumar Malhotra, is a former Outstanding Scientist & Head, Public Awareness Division, Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. The views expressed are personal.
(Edited by : C H Unnikrishnan)
First Published: Oct 12, 2023 9:30 AM IST
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