India, July 14 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Did You Know
Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
Did You Know?
India's indigenously built 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam attained first criticality on 6 April 2026, marking the start of India's second stage of its three-stage nuclear power programme. Unlike conventional reactors, the PFBR uses plutonium recovered from spent fuel of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and is designed to produce more nuclear fuel than it consumes. It will eventually breed Uranium-233 from thorium, unlocking India's vast thorium reserves for future-ready clean energy generation. Developed indigenously by the Department of Atomic Energy, the reactor is a major milestone, strengthening India's reliable fuel supply, reducing dependence on imported uranium, and advancing the country's net-zero ambition by 2070. Click to Read More: A New Chapter in India's Nuclear Journey.
The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a voluntary grouping of 48 nuclear supplier countries that seeks to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation by implementing common guidelines governing exports of nuclear materials, equipment and related technologies for peaceful use.
India has signed Inter Governmental Agreement (IGA) with 18 countries on Civil Nuclear Co-operation for peaceful purposes.
Fueling India's Long-term Nuclear Energy Programme
The Third India-Australia Annual Summit, held in Melbourne on 9 July 2026, marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations. Both countries reaffirmed their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Summit delivered outcomes across maritime security, energy security, cyber cooperation, critical technologies, skill development and entrepreneurship, expanding collaboration in priority sectors.
A major outcome of the summit was the finalisation of the Administrative Arrangement under the India-Australia Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. It enables long-term exports of Australian uranium to India for peaceful purposes under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. Australia possesses the largest uranium resources globally, 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 programme.
The Arrangement is also significant for India's long-term energy security and nuclear ambitions. It complements the Nuclear Energy Mission, which targets 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. It also reinforces the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, enacted in December 2025. The Act enables participation by Indian private companies and joint ventures in building, owning and operating nuclear power plants. Assured long-term uranium supplies provide greater confidence to developers, investors and industry, supporting timely project implementation. The SHANTI Act and the Administrative Arrangement provide the policy framework and strengthen fuel security needed to expand nuclear power for energy security and support sustained economic growth. Read More About the SHANTI Act.
India's Nuclear Energy Landscape
India is steadily expanding its nuclear power programme to strengthen energy security and support clean economic growth. Backed by indigenous technologies and long-term planning, nuclear energy will play an increasingly important role in India's low-carbon energy transition.
With continued investments in advanced reactor technologies and domestic innovation, nuclear energy is emerging as a reliable pillar of India's future energy mix.
A New Chapter in India-Australia Nuclear Cooperation
India and Australia's civil nuclear partnership is anchored in the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, signed in September 2014 and entered into force in November 2015.
The administrative arrangement reinforces mutual trust and creates a stable foundation for sustained cooperation. It also expands the strategic dimension of the India-Australia partnership while supporting secure and diversified energy supplies.
Why This is Crucial for India
The India-Australia Civil Nuclear Agreement bolsters India's long term fuel security, diversifies uranium imports, and deepens the comprehensive strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific.
The Arrangement further reinforce the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by adding a robust energy pillar to cooperation spanning trade, defence, critical minerals, technology and the Indo-Pacific.
The Road Ahead
The Administrative Arrangement is a practical measure with far-reaching benefits. For the economy, it helps to secure clean and firm power for growth, manufacturing and digital infrastructure. For energy security, it diversifies India's fuel supply and strengthens the foundation of the power system. This momentum is already evident, with milestones such as the PFBR at Kalpakkam attaining first criticality. For the bilateral partnership, energy now joins a broad and deepening relationship. Anchored in shared interests and mutual trust, India and Australia are well placed to widen their cooperation in the years ahead, with a dependable supply of uranium lending India's clean energy endeavour a firmer foundation.
References
Prime Minister's Office (PMO)
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) / PIB
Parliament of India (Lok Sabha)
Geoscience Australia
High Commission of India, Canberra
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
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Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
