India’s Nuclear Power Expansion Gets A Strategic Boost From Australia

NEW DELHI-A major outcome of the India–Australia annual summit, held in Melbourne last week, was the finalization of the Administrative Arrangement under the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement between the two countries, enabling long-term exports of Australian uranium to India for peaceful purposes under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards.

Australia possesses the world’s largest uranium resources, accounting for more than one-third of the global total. Assured access to Australian uranium would strengthen the fuel base for India’s expanding nuclear power program, according to an official statement issued on July 14.

The arrangement is significant for India’s long-term energy security and nuclear ambitions and complements the Nuclear Energy Mission, which targets 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.

Nuclear power is a low-carbon energy source that adds firm capacity to India’s non-fossil energy mix. A secure supply of nuclear fuel would support the expansion of clean and reliable power generation as India works toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Australia’s decision to supply uranium also reflects confidence in India’s non-proliferation record and responsible use of nuclear technology.

The arrangement also complements the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Act, enacted in December 2025. The Act enables Indian private companies and joint ventures to participate in building, owning and operating nuclear power plants, the statement said.

India currently operates 24 nuclear power reactors with a total capacity of 8.78 GW, while 10 more units with a combined capacity of 8,000 MW are under construction. The supply of Australian uranium is expected to help provide a steady fuel supply for India’s expanding nuclear power program, which relies largely on natural uranium to operate its Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors. (IANS)