Archive · 19 Jul 2026
India-Australia Uranium Deal Fuels Nuclear Ambitions
India recently made a deal with Australia to get more uranium, which is needed to make nuclear power.
India wants to increase its nuclear power capacity to 100 GWe by 2047, but it doesn't have enough uranium at home.
Right now, India gets some uranium from its own mines and the rest from other countries like Russia and Uzbekistan.
The uranium from India's mines is more expensive to process, so it's cheaper to buy from other countries.
India also got a special permission in 2008 to buy uranium from other countries, which helps it get the fuel it needs.
The deal with Australia is part of India's plan to get more uranium from different places to meet its growing needs.
India secured a long-term uranium supply deal with Australia to support its civil nuclear program.
India aims to expand its nuclear power capacity to 100 GWe by 2047, requiring significant uranium supplies.
Domestic uranium reserves are insufficient, with only 2.4 GWe of the current 8.7 GWe capacity met by local sources.
India imports uranium from countries like Russia, Uzbekistan, Canada, and Kazakhstan, with recent deals securing future supplies.
Domestic uranium production is more expensive due to low-grade ore, making imports more cost-effective.
- Who
- India and Australia
- What
- India-Australia uranium supply deal
- When
- Earlier this month
- Where
- India and Australia
- Why
- To secure uranium supplies for India's nuclear power expansion
Domestic Uranium Production
International Uranium Imports
Cost Efficiency
Domestic Uranium Production
Domestic uranium production is more expensive due to low-grade ore and higher processing costs.
International Uranium Imports
Importing uranium is more cost-effective, with international supplies being three to four times cheaper.
Energy Security
Domestic Uranium Production
Increasing domestic uranium production can enhance energy security despite higher costs.
International Uranium Imports
Relying on international imports ensures a steady and cost-effective supply of uranium.
- Domestic Uranium Reserves
- 4.3 lakh tonnes
- Current Nuclear Capacity
- 8.7 GWe
- Target Nuclear Capacity by 2047
- 100 GWe
- Annual Uranium Requirement by 2047
- 8,029 tonnes of natural uranium and 1,045 tonnes of enriched uranium
- Major Uranium Mines in India
- Jaduguda, Turamdih (Jharkhand), Tummalapalle (Andhra Pradesh)
- Key Uranium Suppliers
- Russia, Uzbekistan, Canada, Kazakhstan, France, US
- NSG Waiver Year
- 2008
- Total Uranium Imported (2008-2025)
- 18,842.60 metric tonnes