Modi seeks Australian uranium to expand India’s nuclear energy

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described Australia’s vast uranium reserves as a crucial resource for India’s growing nuclear energy programme, calling for closer cooperation between the two countries during his official visit to Melbourne.

Speaking at a business forum ahead of formal talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday, Modi said, “Australia could play an important role in helping India meet its rising demand for electricity through expanded nuclear power generation.”

India is pursuing an ambitious plan to increase nuclear energy capacity as it looks to strengthen energy security, reduce carbon emissions and support long-term economic growth.

The country faces steadily increasing electricity demand driven by industrial development, urbanisation and a growing population.

Modi also said, “Australia’s extensive uranium resources present a significant opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.’

He described the partnership as a ‘historic opportunity’, adding that Australia’s uranium reserves are closely linked to India’s nuclear energy ambitions.

Australia possesses around 28 per cent of the world’s known uranium resources, making it one of the largest holders of the mineral. However, uranium exports to India have developed more slowly than expected because of legal requirements, regulatory processes and political sensitivities surrounding nuclear trade.

Alongside energy discussions, the two leaders highlighted the strengthening relationship between Australia and India.

Anthony Albanese praised Modi’s contribution to expanding cooperation between the two countries, saying that the Indian leader’s personal engagement had played a central role in building closer ties. During the business event, the two prime ministers briefly paused to take a selfie, reflecting the warm atmosphere surrounding the visit.

India’s growing community in Australia has become an increasingly important element of the bilateral relationship. Recent population figures show that, for the first time, people born in India now represent the largest overseas-born community living in Australia.

Teesta Prakash, from the Australia India Institute, said, "The demographic shift had been significant over the past decade.”

She noted that the Indian community, once relatively small, has become Australia’s largest migrant diaspora, overtaking those born in the United Kingdom.

Later on Thursday, Modi is expected to attend a large community gathering in Melbourne, where organisers anticipate attendance of more than 20,000 people.

However, the visit has also attracted criticism. Several groups plan demonstrations during Modi’s stay, including campaigners who have raised concerns about the treatment of minority communities in India. Another protest is expected to focus on immigration issues within Australia.

Following the conclusion of his Australian visit, Modi is scheduled to travel to New Zealand as part of his wider regional tour.

The discussions between Canberra and New Delhi are expected to reinforce cooperation across energy, trade and strategic affairs, with uranium supply remaining one of the key issues on the bilateral agenda as India expands its low-carbon electricity generation.