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Can Australian uranium fuel India’s nuclear future without sparking an arms race?
A new deal gives Delhi access to the world’s largest known uranium reserves for ‘peaceful’ use, advancing its nuclear energy goals
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India’s nuclear energy ambitions hinge not only on reactors and reforms but also on an unresolved fuel question: where the uranium will come from.
A deal finalised with Australia last week could provide part of the answer, giving New Delhi access to the world’s largest known uranium reserves after years of delay linked to concerns over nuclear safeguards.
Analysts said the agreement would help India shore up fuel security for its planned nuclear expansion, while also signalling deeper strategic trust between two Indo-Pacific partners seeking to reduce energy vulnerabilities and strengthen cooperation in civilian nuclear power.
While few details were immediately available – such as the volumes to be supplied – the pact is expected to play a role in supporting India’s plan to expand nuclear capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2047, up from about 8GW today.
India lacks sufficient domestic uranium to meet its long-term nuclear ambitions, forcing heavy reliance on imports, according to the World Nuclear Association.
Australia had previously refused to sell uranium to India because Delhi is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which is designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
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