India has decided to nearly quadruple its uranium imports by 2033 in a significant boost to its nuclear energy ambitions, top government sources confirmed. This expansion is a key part of the National Nuclear Energy Mission, which aims to strengthen the country’s energy security and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

According to senior officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, at least 9,000 MTU (metric tonne unit) of uranium will be imported between 2025 and 2033 to fuel new nuclear reactors currently under construction or in the planning phase.

Domestic uranium insufficient for nuclear expansion

While India possesses natural uranium reserves of approximately 4,25,570 tonnes, most of it is of low-grade ore, making domestic mining expensive and inefficient. Officials noted that the high cost of extraction and poor quality has made importing uranium more viable for commercial-scale nuclear power generation.

Data from the Department of Atomic Energy, reviewed by Moneycontrol, shows that in the past five years (2020–2025), India imported 2,600.299 MTU of uranium, at a total cost of Rs 2,090 crore. This represents roughly one-third of the total uranium planned to be imported in the next eight years alone, marking a steep acceleration in nuclear fuel procurement.

Russia likely key supplier, Australia being explored

Officials said that Russia is expected to become a major uranium supplier, with fresh bilateral deals in the pipeline. Additionally, Australia, which has significant uranium reserves and favourable trade relations with India, is being actively explored as a potential long-term partner.

India has already signed long-term uranium supply contracts with Uzbekistan, Canada, and Kazakhstan, countries that have been reliable nuclear fuel exporters in the past decade.

Why India is expanding nuclear power

The decision to ramp up uranium imports is aligned with India's larger clean energy targets, especially in the context of reducing carbon emissions and building reliable baseload power. While solar and wind energy are growing rapidly, nuclear power remains one of the few dependable alternatives for round-the-clock, emission-free energy.

The National Nuclear Energy Mission includes the construction of multiple pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) and light water reactors (LWRs) across various states. These require consistent, high-quality uranium supply to operate at optimal capacity.

As of 2025, India has 22 operational nuclear reactors with a cumulative capacity of 7,480 MW, and another 8 reactors under construction, expected to add around 6,800 MW once completed. The total target is 22,480 MW of nuclear capacity by 2035, according to the Department of Atomic Energy.

Uranium imports key to long-term planning

Nuclear fuel procurement is not done on a short-term basis. Import contracts are typically locked in for 10–15 years, involving stable prices, non-proliferation assurances, and IAEA compliance. By scaling up uranium imports now, India is looking to hedge against future price volatility, and secure uninterrupted reactor operations.

The 9,000 MTU to be imported will cover baseline fuel requirements for both existing and new reactors, including buffer stock to manage any future global supply chain disruptions.

International nuclear diplomacy and strategic implications

India’s expansion of uranium imports also has a strategic diplomatic dimension. The country's nuclear cooperation agreements, signed with over a dozen nations post-NSG waiver in 2008, allow it to source uranium and reactor technologies from key partners.

The United States, France, Japan, Canada, and Australia have been engaging with India to expand civil nuclear trade, including technology transfer and nuclear safety mechanisms. India’s position as a non-signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) remains a challenge, but its track record of nuclear safety and transparency has helped it gain global trust.

Financial and policy outlook

The projected uranium import strategy will cost several thousand crores over the next decade. However, government officials argue this is a necessary investment in the transition to clean and reliable energy. The move is also expected to spur domestic job creation, with construction, engineering, and technical roles opening up across the nuclear sector.

As part of its energy diversification policy, India is also upgrading domestic uranium mining operations, including processing units in Jharkhand, Meghalaya, and Telangana, although these are expected to meet only a small share of future demand.

Conclusion

India’s decision to quadruple uranium imports by 2033 marks a turning point in its nuclear energy roadmap. With large-scale reactor construction underway and ambitious power generation goals in sight, securing stable and cost-effective uranium supply is mission-critical. The move not only supports the country’s energy security goals, but also reaffirms India’s commitment to clean, low-carbon growth.

As the global nuclear landscape evolves, India’s proactive strategy could serve as a model for balancing strategic autonomy, international cooperation, and sustainable development.

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