Context: Recently, the India and Russia have signed pivotal agreements for the expansion of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, marking a significant milestone in their collaboration. 

• The project, India's largest nuclear power station, aims to enhance electricity generation capacity with the construction of Units 3 to 6. 

• The agreements underscore the nations' commitment to advancing nuclear energy and strengthening strategic ties.

New Agreements Signed Between India and Russia

• Outcome: Agreements have been signed on nuclear power, medicines, pharmaceutical substances, and medical devices. 

• Economic Zone Negotiation: Both countries have agreed to begin negotiations by January-end on a free trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Zone. 

About Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant

• Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is being built in Tamil Nadu with Russia’s technical assistance. The plant is expected to have an installed capacity of 6,000 MW of electricity. 

• It is India’s first nuclear plant to use imported PWR technology.

• The construction began in March 2002 but was halted following protests by fishermen fearing nuclear disaster.

• Operational Status: Since February 2016, the first power unit of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant has been steadily operating at its design capacity of 1,000 MW.

• Design of Reactor: Water-water energetic reactor (WWER) is a water-cooled water-moderated energy reactor. 

• Completion: The plant is expected to fully operate in 2027.

• Operators: Russian state company and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited.

Challenges and Opposition

• Throughout its history, the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant has faced opposition from local communities and environmental activists. 

• Concerns about safety and the aftermath of nuclear disasters, such as the Fukushima Daiichi incident, led to protests and legal challenges. 

• However, the plant's supporters, including government officials and experts, have consistently emphasized its safety features and economic significance.

Cybersecurity Concerns

• The KKNPP also faced a cybersecurity challenge in 2019 when malware linked to the North Korea-based Lazarus Group was identified in the administrative network. 

• While the critical internal network remained secure, the incident highlighted the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for critical infrastructure.

Future Collaborations

• Apart from the agreements related to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, India and Russia are exploring broader collaborations. 

• Negotiations on a free trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Zone are set to commence in-person discussions by the end of January, showcasing the multifaceted nature of India-Russia partnership.

About India – Russia Nuclear Relations

• Support: After the 1974 Pokhran Test, the Soviet Union supported India despite the global nuclear isolation. 

• Material: USSR supplied heavy water for Canadian-built reactors and provided fuel for the BWRs at Tarapur, Maharashtra

• 2002 MoU: Nuclear cooperation began when a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on peaceful uses of nuclear energy was signed. 

• The first power generation project under this —the 1000 MW PWRs at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu —was set up in October 2013. 

• Partnership: The joint construction of units 3 & 4 and units 5 & 6 at Kudankulam. 

• Future Prospect: Russia’s agreement to supply six more reactors to India solidifies the long-term prospects.

• Diversification: The recent delivery of germanium-68/gallium-68 (Ge-68/Ga-68) generators that play a vital role in nuclear medicine.