Indian Council of World Affairs

Abstract: India’s formal nuclear cooperation in Latin America is currently with Argentina and Peru. While nuclear power is not widespread in the region—as only three countries (Mexico, Argentina and Brazil) have nuclear power plants—there is a growing focus on the non-power applications of nuclear technology. The study intends to (1) highlight Latin America’s nuclear ambitions, (2) examine India’s formal nuclear pact with Argentina, (3) highlight other existing nuclear research cooperation India has with the region (4) and explore the potential of new cooperation in the nuclear sector between India and Latin American Countries (LAC). 

Introduction 

Nuclear power is not a widely utilised source of electricity in Latin America. Currently, the region has seven nuclear power plants with a combined capacity of 5.07 GW, located in Argentina, Mexico and Brazil. Indeed, rather than for generating electricity, Latin American countries are more active in non-power applications of nuclear technology like medicine. This brings opportunities for India-Latin American Countries (LAC) to deepen their cooperation in the sector. 

Latin America’s Nuclear Energy, Research and Ambitions 

At present, only three Latin American countries, namely, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico have nuclear power plants. However, the share of nuclear power in their national energy mixes is extremely low and makes up 2% of the total electricity production in Mexico, about 3% in Brazil and around 4% in Argentina.[i] These countries are also playing a pivotal role in providing technical guidance to other nations in the region that are exploring the integration of nuclear technology into their energy systems.[ii]

Argentina operates three nuclear power reactors: Atucha I, Atucha II and Embalse. These reactors utilise Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology, which primarily runs on natural uranium. Additionally, the country is advancing its nuclear capabilities through the indigenous development of the small modular reactor (SMR) CAREM 25, which may employ low-enriched uranium (LEU). The country also possesses uranium enrichment capabilities. The Pilcaniyeu uranium enrichment plant was the first of its kind in the country; however, it was closed due to technological inefficiencies. In 2006, plans to recommission the facility were announced, and by 2014, Argentina’s National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) resumed enrichment activities at laboratory scales. To support its nuclear fuel cycle, Argentina is also exploring collaboration with Brazil for enriched uranium supplies. 

Brazil has two operating reactors, Angra I and Angra II. At present, the country is taking steps to complete the construction of the plant’s third unit. Brazil uses pressurised water reactors (PWRs),[iii] which require enriched uranium. Brazil opted for PWRs as it is a globally dominant reactor technology, widely used in the US, France and Japan, which helps the country to collaborate. Brazil also has its own uranium enrichment facilities at Resende, which use centrifuge technology to produce LEU fuel. 

Mexico has two boiling water reactor (BWR) of 650 Mwe, Laguna Verde I and Laguna Verde II, both designed by Westinghouse. Mexico’s collaboration with Westinghouse for BWR technology was likely driven by familiarity with the US nuclear designs, an established supply chain for reactor components, and the availability of training and operational support.  Mexico is also exploring the potential of SMRs to enhance its nuclear energy capabilities. 

Furthermore, the IAEA notes Cuba, Chile, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, Peru and Paraguay as emerging nuclear countries, as the countries have shown interest in building nuclear power plants. 

Indeed, rather than for generating electricity, Latin American countries are more active in non-power applications of nuclear technology using nuclear research reactor.[iv] Such reactors are used for research and development, education, and training. In addition, they are used to produce neutrons for use in sectors ranging from medicine, agriculture and forensics. 

In total, there are 16 operational research reactors in the region (five in Argentina; four in Brazil; two each in Mexico and Peru; and one each in Chile, Colombia and Jamaica[v]) with a further three under construction in Argentina, Bolivia[vi] and Brazil. To enhance collaboration and coordination in nuclear research, the countries in the region are actively working together through the Regional Network of Research Reactors and Related Institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

On a different note, regarding the development of nuclear weapons, the Treaty of Tlatelolco (1967) prohibits the development, testing, production, acquisition or possession of nuclear weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean. The treaty underscores the region’s commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. In addition to these multilateral frameworks, countries in the region have bilateral agreements to ensure the peaceful use of nuclear materials. A notable example is the Brazil-Argentina Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials, established under the 1991 Guadalajara Treaty, which inspects nuclear facilities in both countries to prevent the misuse of nuclear resources. 

Latin American countries have broadly kept their international obligations as regards non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Nonetheless, countries have their own ambitions. For instance, Brazil has been developing nuclear submarines as part of its long-standing defence objectives. Although this ambition originated in the 1970s, the program faced interruptions in the mid-1990s. It was revitalised in 2008 with financial support through the Submarine Development Program (Prosub). The project, once completed, would allow Brazil to be the first non-nuclear-weapon state from Latin America to maintain nuclear-powered submarines without nuclear strike capabilities. 

Existing Nuclear Cooperation between India and Latin American Nations 

Currently, India’s formal nuclear cooperation in Latin America is with Argentina and Peru. The civil nuclear cooperation pact between Argentina and India was signed on 14 October 2009. The agreement resulted in Argentina becoming the seventh country for India to have a nuclear pact with after the waiver in restriction. The countries agreed to encourage and support scientific, technical, and commercial cooperation for mutual benefit in this field. 

In 2019 the relations with the country have been upgraded to strategic partnership. The same year, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP), India, and the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), the Secretariat of Energy, Argentina, to “enhance and explore cooperative ventures” in civilian nuclear power and “bolster institutional linkages” in civilian nuclear research and development and capacity building. 

Argentina’s CNEA and INVAP built a plant at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai for mobilenium enrichment that produces isotopes for medicinal use. The project named the ‘Fission Molly Project’ got completed in 2022. The partnership allows India to enhance its healthcare infrastructure by ensuring a steady supply of isotopes and related technologies. 

On 1–3 August 2023, the Indian delegation visited the site of the RA-10 reactor behind the second meeting of India and Argentina’s Joint Coordination Committee, which was held in Buenos Aires. The visit included tours of reactor facilities and discussions on potential collaborations in areas like nuclear medicine, radioisotopes, and heavy water production, highlighting the importance of knowledge exchange and technology transfer between India and Argentina in the nuclear field. Further, in November 2024, the Heavy Water Board (HWB), a constituent unit of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), India, has entered into an agreement with Nucleoelectrica Argentina S.A. (NASA) for the supply of heavy water to be used in the PHWRs operated by NASA in Argentina[vii]. 

The formalisation of the India-Argentina nuclear partnership is rooted in several compelling factors. Argentina’s advanced expertise in nuclear technology, particularly in heavy-water reactors, aligns seamlessly with India’s reliance on PHWRs[viii] to power its energy program. Moreover, Argentina’s state-owned organisation, INVAP, has a proven track record of designing and exporting research reactors globally. Indeed, some of the components being used in the Indian power reactors are manufactured by the INVAP.^[ix] Moreover, Argentina’s RA-3 reactor, a major producer of medical isotopes essential for cancer treatment and diagnostics, offers India valuable opportunities to enhance its capabilities in these critical areas. Additionally, Argentina’s history of advances and innovation in nuclear technology—marked by the construction of Latin America’s first research reactor and the pioneering development of SMRs like CAREM—complements India’s vision of achieving technological self-reliance in the nuclear sector. 

This Argentina-India partnership is poised to contribute to India’s nuclear research and development, improve reactor efficiency and safety, and expand its isotope production capabilities. On the other hand, India doesn’t have any formal pact with Brazil and Mexico, the other countries having nuclear power plants in the region. India and Brazil, despite their growing trade ties and shared representation in multilateral platforms, such as IBSA, BRICS, G-20, G4 and BASIC, have yet to formalise a nuclear cooperation pact. In 2007, Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Celso Amorim, acknowledged India’s commitment to non-proliferation and expressed interest in civil nuclear cooperation.[x] During the same year, on the IBSA platform, the member countries supported the peaceful use of atomic energy, advocating cooperation for the supply of technology, equipment, and materials under appropriate IAEA safeguards.[xi]

In 2021, Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira, reiterated Brazil’s willingness to collaborate with India in nuclear energy and technology,[xii] and more recently, in 2024, the Brazilian Navy has shown interest, particularly in the nuclear submarine sector, focusing on technical and training aspect,[xiii] recognising India’s expertise in this area considering the use of Scorpene-class submarines. 

Also, in 2024, India’s DAE GCNEP has signed an MOU for 10 years with the Peruvian Institute of Nuclear Energy to encourage and support cooperation in the field of nuclear science and technology in accordance with IAEA safety lines. Areas of cooperation include applications of nuclear science and technology in agriculture and industry, hydrological studies, food irradiation and sterilisation of medical products, instrumentation, energy, the health sector, industrial radiography, human resources development, etc[xiv]. The cooperation will be facilitated through joint research initiatives, the exchange of personnel, and the organisation of workshops. This will be achieved by establishing a Joint Working Group, highlighting a collaborative approach to the peaceful applications of nuclear technology. 

Why India and Latin America’s Nuclear Cooperation Holds Potential? 

Latin America’s nuclear focus to meet climate, energy transition, energy security, and non-power applications of nuclear technology with India holds potential for several reasons. 

India is a responsible nuclear power with a strong commitment to non-proliferation, despite not being a signatory to the NPT. The global trust in India’s commitment is reflected by the 12 nuclear pacts that country has. India is also a member of the IAEA and follows stringent safety and security protocols for nuclear trade, ensuring compliance with international norms. 

Latin American nations with growing energy needs can benefit from India’s expertise in developing and managing nuclear power plants to meet their clean energy goals and carbon emissions. India has mastered nuclear technology, possessing expertise in a wide range of reactor types, including BWRs, PHWRs, and PWR. Its indigenous industrial infrastructure for the nuclear power programme is also well developed.[xv] The country’s nuclear power generation capacity has also grown significantly in the last decade, doubling from 4,780 MW in 2014 to 8,180 MW in 2024.[xvi] Indeed, India-Latin America nuclear cooperation holds potential in exploring designs and safety measures related to SMRs, especially as countries in the region, including Jamaica and Mexico, are exploring the option of SMRs. 

Furthermore, the collaborations hold potential in non-power applications of nuclear technology. Indeed, India is a pioneer in nuclear medicine. The world’s first formal nuclear medicine training course was introduced in INMAS, India, in 1968.[xvii] The country now has 442 operating nuclear medicine centres having 359 positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scanners (including three PET/magnetic resonance), 24 functional medical cyclotrons, and 150 high-dose radionuclide therapy facilities. BARC, the R and D unit of DAE, Government of India, has been producing several medically important radioisotopes (99Mo, 131I, 125I, 153Sm, 32P, 177Lu, etc.), using its research reactor for their supply to the nuclear medicine centres across India.[xviii]

In 2020, the Finance Minister of India announced that the country will set up reactors for the production of medical isotopes for the treatment of cancer and other diseases affordably in public-private partnership mode as a part of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. By 2021, seventeen companies expressed interest in partnering with the DAE to establish a research reactor dedicated to producing radioisotopes.[xix] This project is significant as it marks the first research reactor to be developed under the PPP model and shows India’s willingness to share the technology of the production of a variety of nuclear medicines. Once completed, it will be among the largest facilities in the world for the production and processing of radioisotopes. India also has gifted a Cobalt teletherapy machine (Bhabhatron) for cancer treatment to Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, Uganda, Vietnam, Myanmar and Nepal.[xx]

Further, India’s commitment to advancing nuclear and related technologies includes, developing radiation-resistant crop varieties, extending the shelf life of perishable goods, sterilizing medical equipment, and utilizing nuclear technologies for desalination, and industrial-scale food irradiation. In defence and industrial applications, India is working on lightweight bulletproof jackets and manufacturing high-precision equipment like control rod drive mechanisms, pumps, turbines, and high-pressure valves. By highlighting its growing expertise in these critical sectors, India aims to strengthen global partnerships in radio-isotope production, nuclear desalination and joint manufacturing initiatives. 

Conclusion 

The expansion of nuclear cooperation between India and Latin America holds significant potential for advancing shared goals. Building on the foundations of the Argentina-India nuclear pact and the Peru-India MoU, both regions can strengthen their partnership in peaceful nuclear applications, driving progress in energy security, technological innovation, and socio-economic development. This collaboration offers opportunities to exchange knowledge, adopt best practices, and uphold safety standards in nuclear reactor operations and design. Moreover, it facilitates the promotion of non-power nuclear applications such as in agriculture, healthcare, water resource management and environmental monitoring. Together, these efforts pave the way for a resilient and mutually beneficial partnership, setting a benchmark for Global South-South cooperation.

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*Girisanker SB, Research Associate, Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi.
Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal. 

Endnotes

[i] “Atom for Latin America.” Accessed January 27, 2025. https://rosatomnewsletter.com/2021/03/25/atom-for-latin-america/.

[ii] Chauvin, Lucien. Argus Media,” November 1, 2024. https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2624464-latin-america-mulls-nuclear-power-revival.

[iii] Note- The choice to develop uranium enrichment capabilities can increase a country’s ability to move towards producing weapon grade material, should the country choose to pursue it.

[iv] Note- Research reactors comprise a wide range of different reactor types that are not used for power generation. The primary use of research reactors is to provide a neutron source for research and various applications, including education and training. They are small in comparison with power reactors whose primary function is to produce electricity.

[v] Note- Jamaica is the only country in the Caribbean with a nuclear research reactor.

[vi] Note- Bolivia is building the world’s highest reactor with the help of Russia.

[vii] “Heavy Water Board (HWB) Signs Agreement with Nucleoelectrica Argentina S.A. (NASA) for Supply of Heavy Water.” Accessed January 27, 2025. https://pib.gov.in/pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=2071765.

[viii] Note- Presently, India has 22 operating reactors, with an installed capacity of 6780 MWe. Among these eighteen reactors are Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).

[ix] Financial Express. “India-Argentina Nuclear Cooperation: Fission Molly Project in Mumbai Nears Completion,” July 18, 2020. https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-india-argentina-nuclear-cooperation-fission-molly-project-in-mumbai-nears-completion-2027908/.

[x] Hindustan Times. “Brazil Optimistic on N-Coop with India: Amorim,” April 13, 2007. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/brazil-optimistic-on-n-coop-with-india-amorim/story-usMOnUAbOIvLvLqCVFsOrI.html.  

[xi] Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. “New Delhi Ministerial Communiqué 2007 of India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum.” Accessed January 27, 2025. https://mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/5578/New+Delhi+Ministerial+Communiqu+2007+of+IndiaBrazilSouth+Africa+IBSA+Dialogue+Forum.

[xii] The Hindu. “Brazil Keen on Tie-up with India in Nuclear Energy.” November 18, 2015, sec. India. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Brazil-keen-on-tie-up-with-India-in-nuclear-energy/article60297531.ece.

[xiii] “Brazil Seeks Collaboration with India on Nuclear-Powered Submarines – Indian Defence Research Wing.” Accessed January 27, 2025. https://idrw.org/brazil-seeks-collaboration-with-india-on-nuclear-powered-submarines/.

[xiv] “Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP), Bahadurgarh, India.” Accessed January 27, 2025. https://gcnep.gov.in/mou/mou.html.

[xv]Department of Atomic Energy: An overview of past decade”. September 27, 2023. https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s35b8e4fd39d9786228649a8a8bec4e008/uploads/2023/10/202310131585901174.pdf  

[xvi]“India Has Doubled Power Generation through Nuclear Energy in Last Decade: Dr Jitendra Singh.” Accessed January 27, 2025. https://pib.gov.in/pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=2083330.

[xvii] “India’s First Indigenous Anti-Nuclear Medical Kit Developed by INMAS.” Accessed January 27, 2025. https://www.latestgkgs.com/current-affairs-4311-a.   

[xviii] Singh, Baljinder, Ghanshyam Sahani, Vikas Prasad, Ankit Watts, and Rakesh Kumar. “India’s Growing Nuclear Medicine Infrastructure and Emergence of Radiotheranostics in Cancer Care: Associated Challenges and the Opportunities to Collaborate.” Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine: IJNM: The Official Journal of the Society of Nuclear Medicine, India 38, no. 3 (2023): 201–7. Doi: 10.4103/ijnm.ijnm_77_23.

[xix] Note- Currently some of the major radioisotopes used by India in health care are Iodine131 (131I), Molybdenum-99/Technetium-99m (99Mo/99mTc), Fluorine-18 (18F), Gallium-68 (68Ga), Lutetium -177 (177Lu), Samarium-153 (153Sm), Iridium-192 (192Ir), Iodine-125 (125I) and Cobalt-60 (60Co).

[xx]“Department of Atomic Energy: An overview of past decade”. September 27, 2023. https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s35b8e4fd39d9786228649a8a8bec4e008/uploads/2023/10/202310131585901174.pdf