Prof. Dr. S. Ganesan, Head of the Nuclear Data Section of the Reactor Physics Design Division of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India

— It is a milestone in the history of civilian nuclear energy between the two countries

— On December, 5, Russia and India have signed an agreement for the construction of four more reactors at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant and for cooperation at other sites. Do You think this deal means that cooperation between the two countries in nuclear sphere is developing in a favorable way?
 
— The deal has excellent prospects of becoming successful. It is a milestone in the history of civilian nuclear energy between the two countries. Cooperation between Indian and Russia in nuclear sphere will be a win-win situation for the both countries.

— Why do you think India and Russia are interested in nuclear cooperation with each other?

— Both India and Russia, independently, have advanced nuclear energy programmes. Therefore, naturally, a strong cooperation between India and Russia will help to accelerate growth of nuclear electricity in India. This will help India in meeting part of its large demand for electrical energy for better living conditions.

— The Nuclear Suppliers Group has recently lifted restrictions on trade with India in nuclear sphere. Do You think it is a positive thing not only for India itself, but for all countries advanced in nuclear energy? In what way may it influence Indian-Russian cooperation in nuclear energy?

— India is already an advanced nation in nuclear energy. The NSG waiver for India has brought India into the domain of nuclear commerce with other countries. This is a welcome development for India and also for all the other advanced countries. The cooperation between India and Russia, I believe, will also help in identifying and pursuing many base technology areas in multiphysics multiscale simulations that are needed for the development of advanced reactor designs and programmes and for thorium utilization. These associated research and development efforts include frontline and cutting edge technology experiments in areas such as basic nuclear data science, advanced reactors and analysis, accelerator driven systems, reduction (“incineration”) of radio-toxicity and neutron physics.

— The Kudankulam NPP construction project stipulates that not only Russian engineers work at the construction of the nuclear power plant, but also Indian specialists actively participate in the process. What do You think of this experience and knowledge transfer?

— Indian nuclear industry is matured and advanced. The transfer of KNPP experience is in line with objectives of the nuclear cooperation between Russia and India and will boost the cooperation. These activities will help mankind evolve even more robust nuclear reactor systems through collaborative efforts in further improved designs.