TAG: GS-2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
THE CONTEXT: India and the UAE have signed a landmark MoU for civil nuclear cooperation, marking their first such agreement.
Explanation:
About Nuclear Energy Agreement:
A Nuclear Energy Agreement typically refers to a bilateral or multilateral agreement between countries to promote cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. These agreements aim to facilitate the sharing of nuclear technology, materials, and expertise while ensuring non-proliferation and safe use of nuclear resources.
India-UAE Civil Nuclear Cooperation:
Key of the first-ever MoU for Nuclear Cooperation:
- India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for civil nuclear cooperation.
- UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner.
- The agreement was made between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) and the ENEC-led Barakah Nuclear Power Plant Operations and Maintenance.
- This is the first such agreement between the two nations and aligns with their commitment to “peaceful use of nuclear energy” as agreed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2015 UAE visit.
India has nuclear cooperation agreements with many countries:
- United States: India has received in-principal approval for the establishment of nuclear power plants at Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh and Chhaya in Gujarat in cooperation with the United States.
- Mongolia: India signed a civil nuclear agreement with Mongolia in 2009 to supply uranium to India.
- Russia: India has a nuclear cooperation agreement with Russia.
- France: India has a nuclear cooperation agreement with France.
- Canada: India has a nuclear cooperation agreement with Canada.
- Kazakhstan: India has a nuclear cooperation agreement with Kazakhstan.
- Australia: India has a nuclear cooperation agreement with Australia
Trilateral Cooperation Initiative:
- India and UAE share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) since 2017, which emphasizes cooperation in areas
- The MoU is a result of ongoing discussions between India and the UAE.
- On September 19, 2022, India, France, and the UAE established a trilateral cooperation format to enhance collaboration in energy sectors, including solar and nuclear energy.
Significance Of India’s Nuclear Energy Agreements:
In addition to the nuclear deal, India and the UAE signed several other agreements:
- Long-term LNG Supply: An MoU between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
- UAE, being one of the world’s largest oil exporters, plays a crucial role in ensuring India’s energy security.
- Production Concession Agreement: An agreement between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd. for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1.
- Food Parks Development: An MoU between the Government of Gujarat and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC (ADQ).
Broader Diplomatic:
- The visit of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi also saw the signing of agreements coinciding with the first India-Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Saudi Arabia.
- The UAE is one of India’s closest partners in the Gulf region, and such high-level visits are pivotal in reinforcing diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations.
- India and the UAE are members of the I2U2 grouping, which includes Israel and the United States.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Climate Cooperation:
Green Energy Cooperation: India and the UAE are committed to combating climate change and advancing sustainable development goals. The visit could see further agreements on clean energy cooperation, particularly in renewable energy projects like solar and hydrogen.
- Collaboration on environmental initiatives, climate action, and food security could be further enhanced during the visit.
Major Concerns Associated with India’s Nuclear Energy Agreements
- Nuclear Independence:India’s decision to remain outside the NPT framework allowed it to develop its nuclear weapons program independently and without international constraints. It conducted additional nuclear tests in 1998.
- Technology Development:India’s exclusion from international nuclear export control regimes, such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), pushed the country to develop its indigenous nuclear technology, including fast breeder reactors and thorium-based nuclear systems.
- Uranium Import Challenges:India’s uranium reserves are insufficient to meet its growing energy needs. Restrictions on uranium imports due to its non-NPT status have affected India’s ability to expand its nuclear power generation capacity.
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