New Delhi: India’s ambitious nuclear power expansion has received a major boost with the finalisation of the Administrative Arrangement under the India-Australia Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, paving the way for long-term imports of Australian uranium for peaceful civilian use under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards.
The agreement was one of the key outcomes of the India-Australia Annual Summit held in Melbourne last week. It enables Australia, which holds more than one-third of the world’s known uranium reserves, to supply uranium to India, strengthening the country’s fuel security for its growing nuclear energy programme.
According to an official statement issued on Tuesday, assured access to Australian uranium will provide a stable fuel base for India’s expanding nuclear power sector and support the country’s long-term energy security objectives.
The agreement complements India’s Nuclear Energy Mission, which aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power generation capacity by 2047. It is also expected to diversify India’s uranium import sources while further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Australia.
As India works towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, nuclear energy is expected to play an increasingly important role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Unlike coal-based power, nuclear energy provides a reliable, low-carbon source of electricity capable of meeting the growing demands of industries, data centres and the digital economy.
The government said Australia’s decision to supply uranium reflects its confidence in India’s responsible use of nuclear technology and strong non-proliferation record.
The agreement also supports the implementation of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, enacted in December 2025. The legislation allows Indian private companies and joint ventures to participate in the construction, ownership and operation of nuclear power plants, opening new opportunities for investment in the sector.
India currently operates 24 nuclear reactors across seven sites with a combined installed capacity of 8.78 GW. Another 10 reactors with a total capacity of 8,000 MW are under construction, while preparatory work is underway for 10 more reactor projects.
The country’s nuclear fleet includes Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) and Light Water Reactors (LWRs). Most of India’s PHWRs run on natural uranium, making a reliable supply of imported uranium critical for sustained power generation. The availability of Australian uranium is expected to help ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies as India accelerates its transition towards a cleaner and more secure energy future.
With inputs from IANS