India eyes Oz uranium

PM Narendra Modi is expected to use his proposed visit to Australia next month to push for greater uranium supplies and stronger defence ties as India accelerates its nuclear energy expansion to meet rising power demands from artificial intelligence-driven data centres and a rapidly growing economy.

- FPJ News Service

The Sydney Morning Herald said uranium imports and defence collaboration are likely to feature prominently during Modi's expected visit to Melbourne and Sydney, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Australian PM Anthony Albanese.

The report noted that despite a landmark civil nuclear agreement signed between India and Australia in 2014 permitting uranium exports, actual shipments have remained limited over the past decade. However, India's ambitious plans to significantly expand its nuclear power generation capacity could provide fresh momentum to the trade relationship.

The renewed focus comes amid India's growing energy requirements, fuelled by rapid industrialisation and a surge in investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure and data centres. Global technology giants including Google, Meta and Amazon have announced major investments in India's digital ecosystem, increasing the need for reliable and clean energy sources.