India-Australia Civil Nuclear Cooperation: Administrative Arrangement signed for long-term uranium supply

📌 Summary:

• The Third India–Australia Annual Summit (Melbourne, 9 July 2026) finalised the Administrative Arrangement under the India–Australia Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, enabling long-term exports of Australian uranium to India for peaceful use under IAEA safeguards
• Australia holds the world's largest uranium resources (over one-third of the global total); assured supply strengthens fuel security for India's expanding nuclear programme
• The Arrangement complements the Nuclear Energy Mission (target: 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047) and reinforces the SHANTI Act (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India), enacted December 2025, which allows Indian private companies and joint ventures to build, own and operate nuclear plants
• Assured uranium supply gives developers, investors and industry confidence for timely project implementation, supporting a low-carbon energy transition and economic growth
• India currently operates 24 reactors across seven sites (installed capacity 8.78 GW); 10 more units (8,000 MW) are under construction and pre-project work is underway for 10 additional reactors
• Reactor fleet comprises Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) and Light Water Reactors (LWRs); PHWRs mainly run on natural uranium
• Summit also advanced cooperation in maritime security, energy security, cyber, critical technologies and skills under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 IR (bilateral strategic partnership) + GS3 S&T/energy — nuclear energy, clean energy transition, IAEA safeguards

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Australia = largest uranium reserves globally (>1/3 of world total)
• Nuclear Energy Mission target: 100 GW by 2047
• SHANTI Act enacted December 2025 (allows private participation in nuclear)
• India: 24 operating reactors, 8.78 GW installed capacity; uranium exports under IAEA safeguards
• PHWRs use natural uranium

🔑 Key Term: IAEA Safeguards — verification measures by the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure nuclear material is used only for peaceful purposes.