The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi visited India to discuss nuclear energy expansion, capacity building, and technological collaboration. During the four-day trip, he attended the Raisina Dialogue, visited the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station, and inaugurated new training initiatives in nuclear engineering.
India currently has 20 operational nuclear reactors, generating about 3% of the country’s electricity. Six additional reactors are under construction, with more planned. During his visit to the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station, Grossi observed Units 3 and 4, which are part of a 1,840 MW facility. The IAEA has expressed readiness to support India’s nuclear expansion.
As part of a capacity-building initiative, Grossi inaugurated the SN Bose Building at the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) and introduced a six-month certificate course on nuclear engineering. The training program is designed for both domestic and international participants to enhance expertise in reactor technology, nuclear security, and radioisotope applications.
The visit also included discussions on fusion energy collaboration between India and the IAEA. The Director General met with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and officials from the Department of Atomic Energy to explore further cooperation in nuclear science and technology.
Additionally, a partnership was signed with Tata Memorial Centre to establish a regional cancer treatment hub under the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative. The centre will serve as a knowledge-sharing and training hub for cancer care in the Asia-Pacific region.
The visit highlighted India’s growing nuclear program and ongoing collaboration with the IAEA in energy production, research, and medical applications.