India and Russia are set to enhance their civil nuclear collaboration at the 23rd annual summit in December, concentrating on small modular reactors (SMRs) and the localization of nuclear plant parts.

In Mumbai, Rosatom’s Director General Alexei Likhachev held discussions with Ajit Kumar Mohanty, the leader of India’s Department of Atomic Energy, to assess the advancements at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) and explore potential cooperation.

Kudankulam, the largest nuclear power plant in India, is the focal point of the collaboration. Units 1 and 2 are currently functioning and provide electricity to southern India.

Unit 3 is in the process of pre-commissioning tasks, which involve testing the safety systems, whereas Unit 4 is currently in the installation phase. The construction of Units 5 and 6 is currently in progress as a segment of the plant’s third phase.

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The discussions also covered possible initiatives for both large and small reactors, indicating a new era of collaboration in the nuclear fuel cycle.

This encompasses the investigation of collaborative production, technology sharing, and educational initiatives designed to enhance India's autonomy in nuclear technology.

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The initiative for SMRs illustrates India’s aim to expand its clean energy options. Small modular reactors provide agility, faster installation, and reduced capital costs, rendering them ideal for decentralized energy production in areas with inadequate grid infrastructure.

Localization will be a major focus at the forthcoming summit, as both parties investigate methods to boost domestic production of essential reactor components and lessen reliance on imports.

 

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Russia is anticipated to assist India by providing design expertise and co-production strategies that align with India's Make in India initiative and energy security objectives.

This summit signifies a revitalized stage in Indo-Russian nuclear collaboration, merging extensive expertise with new SMR technology to hasten India’s clean energy shift while enhancing industrial and technological partnership between the two countries.