The UK is the eighth country to enter into such deal with New Delhi since the lifting of atomic trade embargo in 2008. The collaboration of British companies with Indian partners in civil nuclear technology will help India meet its energy needs. The UK nuclear companies will be part of the supply chain for reactor design in India.
Pat McFadden, British Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills, said: “The declaration is an important boost for both countries and will help to mature our civil nuclear relationship. In March we will welcome two high level delegations to the UK, enabled by this new agreement, which will truly kick-start our partnership.”
In early March the UK will host a major Nuclear New Build Conference, focusing on new opportunities in India and the UAE. The UK has invited senior representatives from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) to set out India’s plans for developing nuclear power projects and technologies in the coming years. This event will be attended by nuclear leaders from 15 nations and is expected to provide a platform for British Industry to forge new links.
Mr McFadden added, “This is a major step forward in the UK/India nuclear relationship in line with our strong non-proliferation commitments. It opens doors to greater collaboration between companies in our two countries; more wide-ranging research collaboration; and new opportunities to address shared challenges such as nuclear waste management.”
Separately, India has inked several civil nuclear cooperation pacts with countries including US, Russia, France, Argentina and Namibia. Last year, it reached a deal with Canada on civil nuclear cooperation, which is expected to pave the way for supply of Canadian nuclear materials to Indian market for the first time in more than 32 years. The deal with Canada is expected to be signed soon.
