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- By Shivangi Sharma
- Fri, 05 Dec 2025 05:31 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia was working with India to build the country's largest nuclear power plant at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu during a joint press briefing with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Two out of the six reactors are operational, and Moscow promised to ensure that the full capacity of the facility is achieved.
After the announcement, Rosatom confirmed that the first consignment of nuclear fuel was delivered for initial loading of the third reactor. The fuel produced by the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant will be delivered across seven flights to provide the complete reactor core and the reserve fuel. This 2024 contract secures fuel for both the third and fourth VVER-1000 reactors throughout their operational lives.
Six Reactors, 6,000 MW Capacity
The Kudankulam plant will host six VVER-1000 reactors in total, amounting to 6,000 MW of installed capacity. The first two were connected to the Indian power grid in 2013 and 2016, respectively, while the other four remain under construction. Advanced fuel and extended fuel cycles have improved efficiency in the reactors so far, courtesy of Rosatom.
Expanding Nuclear Cooperation
Putin emphasised plans to expand India-Russia nuclear cooperation. “We are considering small modular reactors, floating nuclear power blocks, and the use of non-energy nuclear technologies in medicine and agriculture,” he said, adding that Russia could now be the only country capable of building small nuclear power plants.
Boosting India’s Nuclear Energy Goals
During the two-day visit, among the various bilateral issues, Putin and PM Modi discussed cooperation in the energy sector. India has targeted 100 GW of nuclear power by 2070, which is over ten times the country's current capacity. Small modular reactors are expected to form a major part of that requirement.
"Once fully operational, Kudankulam will make a major contribution to India's clean and affordable energy needs," said Putin, reaffirming Russia's commitment to one of the most strategic nuclear projects in India.