
The Ultimate Guide to Modi's Diplomatic Tour Securing Nuke Deals with US and France
The Ultimate Guide to Modi's Diplomatic Tour Securing Nuke Deals with US and France
The Ultimate Guide to Modi's Diplomatic Tour Securing Nuke Deals with US and France
New Delhi, [Date] — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded his whirlwind diplomatic tour, securing significant commitments from Washington and Paris to support India's nuclear energy program. But what does this mean for the future of India's nuclear industry?
A Nuclear Renaissance in India
As part of its ambitious goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070, New Delhi is looking to accelerate its nuclear energy program. To achieve this, Modi's government is seeking international partnerships to increase the number of nuclear plants from eight, currently accounting for around 3 percent of power generation in India.
US-India Nuclear Agreement
Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House resulted in an agreement to build US-designed nuclear reactors in India. This collaboration will unlock plans to construct large US-designed reactors and enable cooperation on developing, deploying, and scaling up advanced small modular reactors (SMRs). A joint statement released earlier this week highlighted the potential for cooperation on SMRs, which are still in their early stages. With this agreement, India is poised to become a major player in the global nuclear energy market.
French Connection A Similar Deal
India has also secured a similar deal with France, following Modi's meeting with President Emmanuel Macron earlier this week. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that India and France aim to initiate cooperation on developing SMRs, citing the technology as being still in its early stages. The plan is for both countries to cooperate in co-designing reactors, co-developing them, and co-producing them.
Amending Nuclear Liability Law
Following Modi's government's announcement to amend its strict nuclear liability law, which holds operators liable for any damage or accident, with exceptions made for certain situations, including natural disasters. This move is expected to further boost international cooperation on nuclear energy projects.
A Balanced Approach Fossil Fuels Still in the Mix
While India shifts its focus towards nuclear energy, fossil fuels remain an important component of the country's energy mix. New Delhi has expressed interest in establishing the United States as its leading supplier of crude oil and petroleum products and liquefied natural gas, aligning with the growing needs and priorities of its dynamic economies.
Energy Output A Significant Purchase
India has purchased approximately $15 billion in US energy output, with the potential for this figure to reach up to $25 billion in the near future. Earlier this year, India also greenlit a $1.9 billion plan to secure supplies of critical minerals vital for its green energy and defense sectors.
Trump Offers Fighter Jets A Bond Renewed
US President Donald Trump offered to sell state-of-the-art fighter jets to India during his meeting with Modi, vowing to ramp up trade between the two nations. Modi described Trump as a friend and joked about adopting his Make America Great Again slogan.
A Special Bond Bilateral Trade
Trump highlighted his special bond with Modi and India, acknowledging that he found Modi to be a much tougher negotiator than himself. Successive US administrations have recognized India as a key partner with like-minded interests in the face of a rising China.
The Way Forward Energy Security
To ensure India's energy security, Modi emphasized the importance of trade in oil and gas, expecting a mutually beneficial trade agreement to be reached soon. With this deal, India is poised to become a major player in the global nuclear energy market.
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