Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries?
Contents10
- AJapan
- BRussia
- CThe United Kingdom
- DThe United States of America
Show answer
Answer: (B) Russia
The correct answer is (B) — Russia.
India and Russia signed the 'Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field' on October 5, 2018, in New Delhi.
India and Russia have a long-standing partnership in nuclear energy, including the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.
Tip: India's biggest nuclear energy partner is Russia.
Russia is India's largest nuclear energy partner, building multiple reactors at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu.
India and Russia signed this nuclear cooperation action plan in October 2018, making it a direct current affairs question for the 2019 exam.
The question tests knowledge of India's strategic partnerships, where Russia remains the top nuclear technology supplier despite India's diversification efforts.
India-Russia Nuclear Partnership
World Affairs (International Relations) Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field Russia
India-Russia Nuclear Partnership: Key Agreements & Projects
Russia is India's biggest nuclear energy partner
Action Plan signed in October 2018 in New Delhi
Kudankulam is the flagship India-Russia nuclear project
Russia provides nuclear fuel and reactor technology to India
Strategic Context
India-Russia nuclear cooperation represents one of the strongest pillars of their strategic partnership. Russia has consistently supported India's civil nuclear programme even when other major powers imposed restrictions.
Key Nuclear Agreements
Agreement | Year | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
Action Plan for Nuclear Cooperation | 2018 | Prioritization of cooperation areas in nuclear field |
Nuclear Cooperation Agreement | 2008 | Framework for civil nuclear cooperation |
Kudankulam Project Agreement | 1988 | Construction of nuclear power plants in Tamil Nadu |
Major Projects
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu - Units 1 & 2 operational, Units 3-6 under construction
Russia supplies enriched uranium fuel for Indian reactors under long-term contracts
Technology transfer for VVER reactors (Water-Water Energetic Reactor)
Joint research in fast breeder reactors and thorium-based fuel cycles
Kudankulam Plant
Source: Getty Images — 84 Koodankulam Nuclear Power Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and ... · www.gettyimages.in
Question Context
The 2019 UPSC question tested knowledge of the specific Action Plan signed in 2018. Russia was the correct answer due to its position as India's primary nuclear partner, unlike Japan, UK, or USA which have more limited nuclear cooperation with India.
USA signed 123 Agreement but cooperation is limited compared to Russia
Japan cooperates in nuclear energy but not the primary partner like Russia
France also has nuclear cooperation but Russia dominates Indian nuclear sector
Don't confuse nuclear cooperation agreements with nuclear liability issues
India's Global Nuclear Partnerships
World Affairs (International Relations) Japan The United Kingdom The United States of America
India's Nuclear Partnerships: Country-wise Cooperation Framework
Russia - Largest partner with operational reactors
USA - 123 Agreement but limited actual cooperation
France - Technology cooperation and fuel supply agreements
Japan - Recent partnership focused on clean energy
Nuclear Cooperation Comparison
Country | Key Agreement | Major Projects/Features | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Russia | Multiple agreements since 1988 | Kudankulam NPP, fuel supply | Most active partnership |
USA | 123 Agreement (2008) | Westinghouse reactors proposed | Limited due to liability issues |
France | Nuclear Cooperation Agreement | Jaitapur NPP (proposed) | Ongoing negotiations |
Japan | Nuclear Agreement (2017) | Clean energy technology | Early stage cooperation |
UK | Limited cooperation | Research collaboration | Minimal engagement |
Key Cooperation Areas
Reactor technology - Russia (VVER), USA (AP1000), France (EPR)
Fuel supply - Russia leads with long-term uranium contracts
Research & Development - Joint programs in fast breeder reactors
Nuclear safety - IAEA safeguards and international monitoring
Strategic Significance
India's nuclear partnerships reflect its multi-alignment policy - diversifying nuclear suppliers while maintaining strategic autonomy. Russia remains the most reliable partner due to consistent support even during sanctions periods.
123 Agreement is with USA, not a general term for nuclear deals
Japan partnership is recent (2017) and still developing unlike Russia's decades-old ties
Nuclear liability law affects partnerships with USA/France more than Russia
Don't mix civil nuclear cooperation with nuclear weapons discussions