Laying the Foundation: India's Ambassador Explores Nuclear Collaboration with KAERI

On August 27, 2024, Amit Kumar, the H.E. Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea, visited Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) for a courtesy meeting with KAERI President Dr. Han Gyu Joo. This visit aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation between Korea and India in nuclear fields.

As Korea and India marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2023, the two nations have continued to foster close collaborative ties, seeking to expand cooperation in various technological sectors, including nuclear energy.

During the meeting, the H.E. Ambassador introduced an overview of India's energy policies, including the current nuclear power state. President Joo shared KAERI's accomplishments and current status of nuclear research, including the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

H.E. Ambassador emphasized the significance of the partnership between Korea and India across various sectors. He underscored the necessity of collaboration in the energy sector, particularly in addressing climate challenges and achieving carbon neutrality. He also expressed his commitment to expanding technological cooperation in the nuclear field.

President Joo highlighted the efficiency of nuclear energy in contributing to Korea's power generation and supply. He noted the increasing importance of nuclear energy in meeting growing energy demands and ensuring energy security. He also introduced the current state of nuclear research and development in Korea, with a brief overview of KAERI's diverse portfolio of SMR designs under development.

The two leaders emphasized the role of nuclear energy in a future decarbonized environment and agreed on the desirability of expanding collaboration between the nuclear R&D institutions of Korea and India.

Following the meeting, H.E. Ambassador took a technical tour of research facilities, including HANARO (High-flux Neutron Application Reactor) and SMART-ITL (System Integrated Modular Advanced Reactor-Integral Test Loop), experiencing KAERI's technologies and achievements firsthand.