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Journalism of Courage
The purchase of four more nuclear power reactors for the Koodankulam Atomic Power Project (KAPP) will be high on the Indian agenda when Russian President Vladimir Putin comes visiting on December 3.
New Delhi is preparing a strong case for Moscow, which has been feeling the heat as part of the Nuclear Suppliers Group for supplies to India, to help supply these reactors.
As of now, two 1000-MW light water reactors are under construction with Russian help. Russia is said to have agreed to supply two more reactors after hectic lobbying with other NSG members. This was expected to be announced during Putin’s last visit in December 2002 but the progress has since been delayed.
However, India is keen to add four more reactors in a plant that can accommodate up to eight units.
Russia has been under pressure from the NSG for supplies to India; the KAPP has come under special focus as it was the first supply of reactors after the Pokharan tests in 1998. India will seek to discuss the matter in detail with Putin.
New Delhi has been scrupulously adopting all necessary safeguards despite not being a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. This, along with India’s clear track record in managing nuclear facilities, will be highlighted during the talks.
Moscow has, in the past, justified sales on the ground that India is not a proliferator. While Russia is inclined to further intensify civilian nuclear cooperation with India, it has to still deal with the challenge from NPT and NSG members.
