Prime Minister Modi and former President Trump reinforced the US-India partnership during Modi’s visit, focusing on collaboration in nuclear energy and hydrocarbons. They committed to enhancing energy security and trade, realizing the 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement, and announced initiatives promoting technology cooperation. Modi framed their cooperative vision with a new slogan, MIGA, denoting India’s development pathway, emphasizing that together they forge a MEGA partnership.
During a recent official visit to the United States, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former President Donald Trump affirmed their commitment to a collaborative partnership between India and the U.S., focusing on constructing large-scale, U.S.-designed nuclear reactors in India and deploying small modular reactors. They emphasized the critical role of energy security in boosting economic growth and innovation in both nations and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the US-India Energy Security Partnership across various sectors including oil, gas, and civil nuclear energy.
The leaders placed significant importance on ensuring better global energy prices and reliable energy access by enhancing hydrocarbon production. Their joint statement outlined efforts to transform the U.S. into a primary supplier of crude oil, petroleum products, and liquified natural gas to India while establishing strategic petroleum reserves to ensure economic stability during crises.
On nuclear collaboration, they pledged to actualize the US-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement by advancing plans for constructing U.S.-designed reactors in India. This includes localizing manufacturing and facilitating potential technology transfers, which are pivotal for future nuclear ventures. While the Kovvada site in Andhra Pradesh has been designated for six AP1000 reactors, contractual formalities are still pending.
In the final days of the Biden administration, key discussions regarding civil nuclear cooperation regulations indicated progress toward removing long-standing barriers. Since then, India has proposed amendments to its Atomic Energy Act to invite private investment in the civil nuclear sector and address liability concerns that have hindered international nuclear power projects.
Both leaders have welcomed these amendments and agreed on establishing bilateral frameworks to address civil liability. This strategic move aims to unlock opportunities for constructing large U.S.-designed reactors and advancing the development of advanced small modular reactors.
Additionally, Modi and Trump announced joint initiatives in technology and innovation, including the US-India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative. This program aims to foster collaboration in critical areas such as defense, artificial intelligence, and nuclear energy, ensuring the protection of sensitive technologies and encouraging the use of verified technology vendors.
In a significant moment, Modi introduced the concept of “Make India Great Again” (MIGA), drawing a parallel with Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan. He articulated that when both nations collaborate, they form a “MEGA” partnership for mutual prosperity, which reflects their united development visions.
India aims to generate at least 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 as part of its energy transition strategy, partnering with the private sector to develop the Bharat Small Modular Reactor, a compact 220 MW reactor based on indigenous technology. Modi’s week also included cooperation discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron on advanced modular and small modular reactors.
The reaffirmed commitment of India and the U.S. towards nuclear energy collaboration underscores the strategic significance of energy security for both countries. By advancing the 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement and fostering technological innovation, both leaders aim to establish a robust framework for energy cooperation, ensuring economic stability and enhancing energy trade. Their combined efforts propel mutual prosperity, with a shared vision of significant nuclear energy development by 2047, exemplifying the potential of international partnerships.
Original Source: www.world-nuclear-news.org
