← 14 September 2026's Current Affairs · International Relations GS-2 Prelims ★★★☆☆ Mains ★★★★★
India widens uranium sourcing to fuel nuclear expansion
Why in News?
The 2008 NSG waiver that lets non-NPT India buy uranium from Australia and Canada
India is diversifying uranium imports from Uzbekistan, Australia and Canada under the 2008 NSG waiver that permits its civil nuclear trade.
Why it matters: GS-2 core
What you need to know
2 min read
India is expanding uranium sourcing from partners including Uzbekistan, Australia and Canada to fuel its growing nuclear power programme.
This diplomatic push follows the 2008 waiver granted by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), which allowed India to trade in civil nuclear material and technology despite not being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
India remains outside full NSG membership, which requires consensus among all member states.
Sources: Topper IAS editorial (PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express)
Key facts
Remember these
- NSG waiver granted to India in 2008
- India sources uranium from Uzbekistan, Australia and Canada
- India is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
- India is not a full member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
- Full NSG membership requires consensus among all member states
Prelims · Mains
How the exam will ask it
Prelims
- The 2008 NSG waiver allows India to trade in civil nuclear material and technology.
- India is outside the NPT but sources uranium from Uzbekistan, Australia and Canada.
- India is not a full member of the NSG; membership requires consensus of all members.
Mains
Relevant to GS Paper 2 (International Relations) and GS Paper 3 (Science and Technology): India's civil nuclear diplomacy rests on the 2008 NSG waiver, which lets it import uranium despite being outside the NPT, but its continued exclusion from full NSG membership constrains reciprocal technology access. The way forward lies in diversifying uranium supply partnerships while pursuing NSG membership through sustained diplomatic engagement.
Quick recall
Answer before you reveal
With reference to India's civil nuclear trade, consider the following statements:
- India is a full member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
- Under a 2008 waiver, India can import uranium and nuclear technology for civilian use despite not being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: B — India is not a full member of the NSG, whose membership requires consensus, but a 2008 NSG waiver allows it to trade in civil nuclear material despite being outside the NPT.
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