Bangladesh and Russia have recently agreed to use Chinese yuan instead of the Russian ruble to settle payments for the construction of the Rooppur nuclear plant. This essay will provide an overview of the project, the involvement of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), India’s role, and the significance of the agreement for India.
Overview of the Project
The Rooppur nuclear plant is being constructed in collaboration with Russia’s state-owned atomic company Rosatom, and Bangladesh is constructing the first of two nuclear power plants. The two reactors at the Rooppur site will generate 2400 megawatts of round-the-clock clean electricity, and the project is part of an initiative to transform Bangladesh into a developed economy by 2041.
The country is looking to expand, diversify and decarbonize its electricity sector through the addition of nuclear power and renewables, as the demand for electricity is rising by about 7% annually. Currently, natural gas provides nearly 80% of the country’s electricity.
Involvement of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Bangladesh is among the 28 countries that are considering, planning, or starting the introduction of nuclear power. The IAEA assists countries interested in developing peaceful applications of nuclear energy, including nuclear power. The IAEA’s milestones approach provides step-by-step guidance on the infrastructure for a new nuclear power program.
India’s Role
India has a nuclear cooperation agreement with Russia and Bangladesh, and the Rooppur project is the first initiative under an Indo-Russian deal to undertake atomic energy projects in third countries. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) is the commanding authority from the Indian side to assist in the construction, installation, and also work in capacity building, as well as provide support to Russia, which will take the lead in designing, manufacturing, and supply of equipment and construction of the facility.
This will also be the first time Indian companies will be able to participate in a nuclear power project abroad. India is not a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and hence cannot participate directly in the construction of atomic power reactors.
Significance for India
- India’s first project in foreign soil, deeper involvement in global civil nuclear sector
- Steady undertaking of strategic agreements with major powers like the US, Russia, and Japan
- Boost to ‘Make in India’ initiative by proposing production of nuclear equipment domestically
- Agreement important in the context of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy
- A major step towards achieving objectives of non-reciprocity towards smaller neighbors in South Asia, as highlighted in the Gujral doctrine
- Furthering India’s status as a responsible nuclear power
- Helps in realizing other strategic objectives, such as a free-transit agreement with Bangladesh
- The agreement will reduce India’s dependence on the Siliguri Corridor
- Will contribute towards the development of the northeastern region.
Why In News
Due to feasibility issues with payment via Russian ruble, Bangladesh and Russia have agreed to utilize Chinese yuan as the settlement currency for the construction of Rooppur nuclear plant.
MCQs about India’s Involvement in Rooppur Nuclear Plant Project
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What is the capacity of electricity that will be generated by the two reactors at Rooppur nuclear plant in Bangladesh once it is completed?
A. 2400 megawatts
B. 1400 megawatts
C. 2000 megawatts
D. 1800 megawatts
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Which country is providing assistance to Bangladesh in the construction of Rooppur nuclear plant?
A. Russia
B. China
C. India
D. Japan
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What is India’s role in the construction of Rooppur nuclear plant in Bangladesh?
A. Assisting in construction and installation
B. Providing capacity building support
C. Providing support in designing and manufacturing of equipment
D. All of the above
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What is the objective of the IAEA’s milestones approach?
A. To provide guidance on the infrastructure for a new nuclear power program
B. To prevent countries from developing peaceful applications of nuclear energy
C. To encourage countries to develop nuclear weapons
D. To promote the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation
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