UPSC Prelims 2019 Q89: Current Affairs – International Relations & Treaties
- (a) Japan
- (b) Russia
- (c) The United Kingdom
- (d) The United States of America
Answer: (b) Russia
Explanation
India-Russia 'Action Plan' on Nuclear Cooperation
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Signed with | Russia |
| Signed at | Vladivostok, September 2019 (during PM Modi's visit) |
| Title | 'Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field' |
| Coverage | Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant units 5 & 6 construction, nuclear technology exchange, third-country projects, nuclear science research collaboration |
| Complements | Existing India-Russia Strategic Partnership on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy (2008/2010) |
India signed the Action Plan for Nuclear Cooperation with Russia in September 2019.
Answer: (b) Russia.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. India-Japan nuclear cooperation is via the Civil Nuclear Agreement (2016) - not the Action Plan in question.
- (b) CORRECT. India signed the Action Plan for Nuclear Cooperation with Russia in September 2019 during PM Modi's Vladivostok visit.
- (c) Incorrect. India-UK nuclear cooperation is not framed as this Action Plan.
- (d) Incorrect. India-USA nuclear cooperation is under the Civil Nuclear Deal (2008).
Key point
India-Russia Action Plan for Nuclear Cooperation = signed Sept 2019, Vladivostok. Covers Kudankulam 5&6, tech exchange, third-country projects, R&D.
Remember
India signed the 'Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field' with Russia in September 2019 during PM Modi's Vladivostok visit. It covers Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant units 5 & 6, nuclear technology exchange, third-country projects, and R&D collaboration.
Common mistakes
- Confusing this Action Plan with the India-USA Civil Nuclear Deal (2008) or India-Japan (2016).
- Not knowing Russia is India's oldest nuclear partner (Kudankulam 1-6 all Russian VVER reactors).
- Missing that Russia is the only country building nuclear reactors in India currently under the deal.
Exam tip
India's civil nuclear agreements: USA (2008 - 123 Agreement). Russia (multiple, dominant partner for Kudankulam). France (Jaitapur - stalled). Japan (2016). UK. Canada. South Korea. Australia (uranium supply, 2014). NSG waiver 2008 enabled all this.
Sources
- MEA - India-Russia Joint Statement (September 2019, Vladivostok)
- Department of Atomic Energy - Bilateral nuclear cooperation agreements