India to get uranium from Canada for five years

Canada today agreed to provide 3,000 metric tonnes of uranium to energy-hungry India from this year under a $254 million five-year deal to power reactors as the two countries decided to set in motion a new crucial partnership. The agreement for uranium supply was signed after discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with his Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper, which came two years after continued negotiations following the 2013 civil nuclear deal between India and Canada.

Modi held wide-ranging discussions with Harper on a host of issues including threats posed by terrorism besides exploring the potential for cooperation in energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and skills, smart cities, agro industries, research and education.

Modi announced beneficial visa policy for Canadian nationals visiting India and said: “We will issue Electronic Visa Authorization for tourist visa for Canadian nationals. They will also be fit for 10-year visas now.”

Cameco Corporation will supply 3,000 metric tonnes of nuclear fuel over five years to India at $254 million, under the agreement on uranium,  and the supply will start from this year, an official said.

The supplies will be under the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards. Canada is the third country to supply uranium to India after Russia and Kazakhstan.