India’s government is preparing to quadruple uranium imports as it ramps up its ambitious Nuclear Energy Mission, aiming to significantly expand its nuclear power capacity. This strategic boost aligns with the broader vision announced in the 2025 Union Budget, targeting 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047
🔍 Why the Import Surge?
- Limited domestic uranium
Despite notable reserves—such as around 85,000 tonnes at Tummalapalle—India’s mined uranium is lower-grade and not enough to meet growing reactor fuel demands - Rising nuclear power capacity
India currently operates ~8.18 GW from 24 reactors, with plans to reach ~22.5 GW by 2031 and ultimately 100 GW by 2047 - Fuel diversity and security
Imports—from countries including Russia, Canada, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, France, and others—ensure adequate fuel supply and reduce geopolitical vulnerabilities drishtiias.com
📦 Import in Numbers
- Recent agreements include long-term deals with Russia, Kazakhstan, Canada, Uzbekistan, and France .
- Previously, India imported about 100 tonnes of uranium in FY2023, with ~133 fuel assemblies added to its inventory
- Quadrupling imports could mean sourcing ~400 tonnes annually to support nuclear fleet growth.
🚀 Nuclear Energy Mission & SMRs
- The Nuclear Energy Mission (FY25 budget) plans:
- ₹2 billion (~$23 million) R&D funding
- Amendment to Atomic Energy Act and Civil Liability Act to attract private investment
- Launch of small modular reactors (SMRs): at least five indigenously built units by 2033
- Collaboration with global partners like Rosatom, the US, and France supports SMR and reactor expansion .
🌐 Strategic & Environmental Benefits
- Energy security: Reducing reliance on coal and fossil fuels, with nuclear poised to supply 9% of electricity by 2032 and 25% by 2050
- Climate goals: Nuclear power supports India’s decarbonization efforts and aligns with COP targets.
- Advanced fuel cycles: Expansion into thorium, fast breeder reactors (PFBR), and future uranium-233 cycle as part of the three-stage program
✅ Summary Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current uranium reserves | ~85,000 t (Tummalapalle), low-grade |
| Annual uranium imports (prev.) | ~100 t (FY2023) |
| Planned import increase | 4× → up to ~400 t/year |
| Nuclear power capacity targets | 22.5 GW by 2031; 100 GW by 2047 |
| SMR initiatives | 5 units by 2033; ₹20,000 crore funding |
| Key suppliers | Russia, Kazakhstan, Canada, France, Uzbekistan |
🔭 What Happens Next?
- Finalizing deals: India likely to sign more supply agreements and revisit current ones.
- Policy reforms: Expected changes in nuclear laws to invite private participation and ease of imports.
- SMR rollout: Domestic manufacturing to begin soon, with pilot reactors expected soon.
- Integration with thorium strategy: Accelerating India’s unique three-stage nuclear program focused on thorium.
Why It Matters
India’s move to quadruple uranium imports reflects a calculated push to decarbonize its energy mix, reduce coal dependency, and cement its position as a global nuclear power. It also underscores a strategic pivot toward energy sovereignty and cutting-edge reactor technologies, preparing the nation for a cleaner, more reliable future.
