India, UAE ink pact for civil nuclear cooperation
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)
| Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral Relations |
| Context |
| ● India and the UAE have signed a landmark MoU for civil nuclear cooperation, marking their first such agreement.
● This follows a trilateral initiative with France and builds on prior agreements on energy and food security. ● The visit also included additional pacts on LNG supply and petroleum exploration. |
India-UAE Civil Nuclear Cooperation:
First-ever MoU for Nuclear Cooperation:
- India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for civil nuclear cooperation.
- The agreement was made between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) and the ENEC-led Barakah Nuclear Power Plant Operations and Maintenance.
- This is the first such agreement between the two nations and aligns with their commitment to “peaceful use of nuclear energy” as agreed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2015 UAE visit.
Trilateral Cooperation Initiative:
- The MoU is a result of ongoing discussions between India and the UAE.
- On September 19, 2022, India, France, and the UAE established a trilateral cooperation format to enhance collaboration in energy sectors, including solar and nuclear energy.
Additional Agreements: In addition to the nuclear deal, India and the UAE signed several other agreements:
- Long-term LNG Supply: An MoU between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
- Production Concession Agreement: An agreement between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd. for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1.
- Food Parks Development: An MoU between the Government of Gujarat and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC (ADQ).
Broader Diplomatic Context:
- The visit of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi also saw the signing of agreements coinciding with the first India-Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Saudi Arabia.
- India and the UAE are members of the I2U2 grouping, which includes Israel and the United States.
| PYQ: In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation? (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2018) |
| Practice Question: Discuss the significance of the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for civil nuclear cooperation. What are its implications for India’s energy and strategic interests? (150 Words /10 marks) |
