Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Moscow is expected to include discussions on a groundbreaking proposal from Russia to offer India the technology for constructing and operating floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs). This new development in the energy sector marks a significant expansion of the existing nuclear cooperation between the two countries.
The two countries already have a strong partnership in nuclear energy, with Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant units 1 and 2 operational and work progressing on units 3 and 6.
In May 2024, a meeting between Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, and Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, led to Russia proposing the serial construction of land-based nuclear power units at a new site in India.
Additionally, both nations have agreed to cooperate on the nuclear fuel cycle and non-power applications of nuclear technologies.
Floating nuclear power plants, like Russia's Akademik Lomonosov currently operating in the Arctic, offer unique advantages such as mobility and the ability to provide power to remote locations.
While the specifics of the proposed technology transfer are still under discussion, the potential for FNPPs to contribute to India's energy security and decarbonization goals is significant.
This development comes amid deepening investment ties between the two nations, with growing collaboration in sectors ranging from energy and banking to railways and steel. The nuclear energy sector, however, remains a cornerstone of the strategic partnership.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi is expected to meet with Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, Russia's state atomic energy corporation, to delve deeper into the details of the FNPP proposal.
The discussions could pave the way for a new chapter in India's energy landscape and further solidify the Indo-Russian strategic partnership.
