UAE hands over maintenance of its nuclear power plant to India

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has handed over the maintenance and operations of its Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant to an Indian company in order to boost strategic partnership between the two countries.

The decision was announced during the visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to New Delhi on Sunday.

During his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, the two countries signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to promote energy cooperation.

The MoUs aimed to strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and the UAE in the field of nuclear energy.

The two sides signed an agreement for long-term LNG supply between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and Indian Oil Corporation Limited; an MoU between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited; Production Concession Agreement for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1 between Urja Bharat and ADNOC; an MoU between government of Gujarat and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC on food parks development in India.

One of the key agreements signed was between Barakah Nuclear Power Plant Operations and Maintenance between Emirates Nuclear Energy Company and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited.

The deal will facilitate the operation and maintenance of the UAE's nuclear power plant by Indian experts.

The move is expected to enhance the safety and efficiency of the plant, according to The Economics Times.

"The MoU on nuclear cooperation is expected to enhance cooperation in the operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants, sourcing of nuclear goods and services from India, exploring mutual investment opportunities and capacity building," the publication said.