India and Russia on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in civil nuclear energy and the broader energy sector, emphasizing the enduring strategic value of their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, according to a joint statement after the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit.
The two countries reviewed ongoing and potential collaboration across multiple areas, including oil and oil products, oil refining and petrochemical technologies, oilfield services and upstream technologies, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) infrastructure, underground coal gasification (UCG) technology, and nuclear projects. Both sides stressed the need for timely resolution of issues related to energy investment projects and agreed to address concerns faced by investors.
The leaders welcomed progress at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP), including the construction of remaining units, and reaffirmed adherence to timelines for equipment and fuel supplies. They also emphasized further discussions on a second nuclear power plant site in India, with the Indian side committed to finalizing formal allotment in line with earlier agreements.
The two countries agreed to accelerate technical and commercial discussions on Russian-designed VVER (Water-Water Energetic Reactor) nuclear reactors, with a focus on research and joint development, localization, and joint manufacturing of nuclear equipment and fuel assemblies for large-capacity Russian-designed nuclear power plants, subject to mutually agreed terms.
