During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming trip to Russia, floating nuclear power plants are set to be a major focus of discussion. This marks a new frontier in India-Russia nuclear collaboration and underscores efforts toward sustainable energy solutions. Scheduled for July 8-9, 2024, Prime Minister Modi's visit will include meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and ROSATOM Director General Alexey Likhachev. The agenda aims to deepen traditionally strong Russian-Indian relations and address pertinent international and regional issues.

Floating nuclear power plants represent a unique concept involving the construction of nuclear reactors on floating platforms such as ships or barges. These plants offer advantages like flexible deployment, potential use in remote areas, and the ability to supply power to coastal regions without extensive land-based infrastructure.

India has shown increasing interest in small modular reactors (SMRs), including the prospect of ship-mounted SMRs. Modi's visit to the Pilot Demonstration Energy Complex (PDEC) in Seversk, Tomsk region, as part of Russia's Proryv (Breakthrough) strategic industry project, highlights India's exploration of this technology.

ROSATOM, Russia's nuclear corporation, has expressed interest in jointly developing floating nuclear power plants with India, alongside other small and medium-sized reactors. ROSATOM is a key supplier for India's Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, which operates four Russian-designed VVER-1000 reactors. In addition to floating reactors, ROSATOM has signaled readiness to explore the construction of another large-scale six-reactor nuclear power plant in India.

The discussions during Prime Minister Modi's visit will spotlight floating nuclear power plants as a significant area of India-Russia nuclear cooperation, emphasizing innovative strides in the sector. This technology holds promise for enhancing flexibility and electricity generation capabilities in remote regions, further bolstering bilateral energy ties.