India, Russia Talk Small Modular Reactors, Pushes for Kudankulam Completion

Defense news ,India & Russia :- India and Russia have jointly agreed to enhance their cooperation in the realm of civilian nuclear initiatives, with Moscow expressing its willingness to share technology related to small modular reactors utilized in power generation. This collaboration unfolds as both nations actively pursue the completion of Phase 1 of the monumental 6,000MW Kudankulam nuclear power project situated in Tamil Nadu. The small modular reactors, characterized by their advanced nuclear technology, boast a power generation capacity ranging from 75MW to 300MW.

The culmination of India External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar five-day visit to Russia marks a pivotal moment in this strategic partnership. According to informed sources, the focus of their discussions centered on the commissioning of Reactors 3 and 4, along with expediting the progress on Reactors 5 and 6 at the Kudankulam nuclear project. Notably, this collaborative effort gains significance against the backdrop of the stalling of the US Westinghouse-supported 6,600MW Kovvada nuclear project and the French Areva-supported 9,900 MW Jaitapur nuclear project due to protracted price negotiations. Currently, only Reactors 1 and 2 of Kudankulam are operational, providing a substantial 2,000MW of electricity to India.

During Jaishankar visit, notable engagements included meetings with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. A particularly noteworthy occurrence was Jaishankar unexpected interaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 27. It is understood that Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed regret to Putin for missing the annual summit in Moscow, attributing it to his commitments to the G20 summit. However, he provided assurance that the 2024 summit would proceed as planned.

The timing of Jaishankar visit is significant as Russia assumes the presidency of the BRICS platform. Both nations are actively exploring future collaborations in military systems akin to the successful Brahmos missile and AK-203 rifle projects under the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiative. Among the potential joint ventures is the manufacturing of Kamov 226 T multi-purpose helicopters.

Despite the geopolitical complexities, India has successfully maintained its strategic autonomy under Modi, fostering close ties with Moscow. Russia currently supplies nearly 65% of Indian military hardware. Challenges persist, however, as delays in spare parts supplies are experienced due to Russia conflict with Ukraine. Notably, India anticipates the arrival of an Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine from Moscow on a long-term lease in 2025.

Against the backdrop of security concerns in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, India is engaged in discussions with Russia to explore the northern sea route in contingency scenarios. The impacts of climate change have made the northern sea route more navigable for a larger part of the year, potentially providing an alternative route for commercial shipping. Additionally, Russia crucial role in supplying discounted crude oil to India amid the Ukraine war has further strengthened the economic dimension of this enduring partnership.