India-Uzbekistan Uranium Deal (International Relations)
India-Uzbekistan Uranium Deal (International Relations)
Why In News:
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day state visit to Tashkent, India and Uzbekistan upgraded their bilateral relationship from a Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The two countries also agreed on a long-term framework for uranium supply to India's civil nuclear programme.
Uranium Cooperation
Uranium is the primary fuel used in conventional nuclear reactors for producing nuclear energy.
Uzbekistan is an important uranium-producing country, a significant potential supplier for India's civil nuclear programme.
A long-term uranium supply arrangement with Uzbekistan will help India diversify its sources of nuclear fuel.
Diversification of uranium suppliers strengthens the stability and resilience of India's nuclear fuel supply chain.
India's Civil Nuclear Framework
a) Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
The DAE is the central government department responsible for India's atomic-energy programme.
Its activities cover nuclear power, nuclear research, fuel-cycle activities and applications of nuclear technology.
b) Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)
NPCIL is a public-sector undertaking under the DAE.
It is primarily responsible for the design, construction, commissioning and operation of nuclear power reactors for electricity generation in India.
c) IAEA Safeguards
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) operates the international safeguards system.
IAEA safeguards are intended to verify that nuclear material and facilities placed under safeguards are not diverted from peaceful purposes.
Uzbekistan: Geographical and Strategic Facts
Uzbekistan is a doubly landlocked country, meaning it is surrounded only by countries that themselves have no coastline.
The only other doubly landlocked country in the world is Liechtenstein.
Capital: Tashkent.
Uzbekistan shares land borders with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan.
Both India and Uzbekistan are full members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Uranium: Key Facts
Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive heavy metal and undergoes nuclear fission, releasing large amounts of energy that can be converted into electricity.
India's three-stage nuclear programme is designed around the use of uranium and thorium resources, with thorium expected to play a greater role in the later stages.
Major uranium-producing countries include Kazakhstan, Canada, Namibia, Australia and Uzbekistan.
India also has domestic uranium resources, with deposits occurring in states such as Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Rajasthan and Meghalaya.