On September 9, Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, left for India with a group of business representatives to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu's Indian counterparts.
The two countries, historically linked through trade, have moved beyond traditional sectors, now focusing on critical areas such as clean energy, technology, and defense. As India seeks to diversify its energy sources and the UAE looks to position itself as a leader in clean and sustainable energy, nuclear power has emerged as a promising area of cooperation.
The Indo-UAE relationship has gained significant momentum, particularly since the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in 2017. The nations have since collaborated across multiple domains, including trade, space exploration, renewable energy, and defense. However, the inclusion of nuclear energy in the bilateral agenda signals a new phase in their collaboration, one that could have far-reaching implications for both regional and global energy security.
The potential for India-UAE nuclear cooperation first came to light in recent discussions between top diplomats and energy officials. These talks focused on joint research, development, and investment in nuclear energy technologies. While specific details have yet to be disclosed, sources indicate that both nations are eager to explore peaceful nuclear energy as part of their shared commitment to sustainable development.
For India, which is facing rising energy demands and a need to transition to cleaner sources, nuclear energy presents a crucial component in its energy mix. Currently, India operates 23 nuclear reactors, with plans to expand its nuclear capacity significantly by 2032. Cooperation with the UAE, a country with vast financial resources and growing expertise in clean energy, could bolster India’s nuclear energy ambitions.
Experts believe that the nuclear collaboration between India and the UAE could bring significant economic and strategic benefits to both sides. India, already one of the UAE’s largest trade partners, could see its energy infrastructure modernized through Emirati investment, while the UAE could gain access to India’s extensive experience in managing nuclear reactors and research facilities.
As India and the UAE continue to strengthen their bilateral ties, nuclear energy cooperation could emerge as a defining feature of their relationship. The ongoing discussions, if successful, could lead to a formal agreement in the coming years, positioning both nations as leaders in the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
