India & Russia Eye Collaboration on Nuclear Energy and Advanced Technologies

General Studies Paper-2

Context: India and Russia are enhancing strategic cooperation in nuclear energy, cyber defence, and advanced technologies amid shifting global geopolitics and domestic policy changes.

Developments in Indo-Russian Cooperation

• Nuclear Energy Expansion: India is amending its Nuclear liability laws to encourage greater foreign investment and collaboration.
  • Russian state-owned nuclear firm Rosatom, builder of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), signed an MoU with Maharashtra for thorium-based Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
• Cybersecurity and Digital Infrastructure: India and Russia are exploring co-development of cyber defence mechanisms, sector-specific firewalls, and cybersecurity products for the global market.
  • Russia-based foundation Cyberus has identified India’s growth in fintech, e-governance, and smart cities as a strong case for deeper cyber cooperation.
• Science and Technology Cooperation: Innopraktika, a Moscow-based NGO, plans to set up an Indo-Russian Technology Association and Engineering Centre with bases in both countries.
  • Agreements have been signed between University of Delhi and Russia’s Higher School of Economics to create a “mirror laboratory” for research in data storage, processing, and space systems.
• Other Key Areas Identified for Collaboration: Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence, Space Technology, Critical Minerals and BrahMos-like co-development models for knowledge-based innovation and joint product development.

Strategic Significance

• Energy Security: SMRs offer a safer, more flexible, and scalable nuclear option, crucial for India’s low-carbon energy transition.
• Technological Sovereignty: Joint ventures in AI, semiconductors, and cyber defence will reduce dependency on Western technologies.
• Geopolitical Realignment: Strengthening ties with Russia offers India a hedge amid evolving tensions in Asia and disruptions in the multilateral order.
• Economic Diversification: In November 2024, a Russian Business Center was inaugurated in New Delhi to boost trade and high-tech cooperation between India and Russia.

Concluding remarks

• India-Russia collaboration is deepening beyond traditional defence ties into futuristic domains like nuclear SMRs, cyber defence, and digital innovation.
• With timely policy reforms and structured engagement, this partnership can not only enhance strategic autonomy for both nations but also contribute to shaping a multipolar technological order.