INDIA-NAMIBIA LINKAGES: PARTNERING IN URANIUM SECTOR

Abstract

In light of India‟s growing nuclear energy program and changing internatio nal nuclear governance, this study explores the strategic aspects of IndiaNa mibia collaboration in the uranium sector. The article is structured into five main sections. The first section outlines India‟s nuclear energy trajectory, highlighting its three-stage nuclear programme, rising electricity demand, and the structural constraints imposed by limited domestic uranium reserves. It also discusses the historical impact of India‟s exclusion from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and international nuclear trade regimes on the growth of its civilian nuclear sector. The second section examines India‟s reintegration into the international nuclear order after the 2008 Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) waiver. It focuses on nuclear liability frameworks, safeguards agreements, and civil nuclear cooperation agreeme nts that continue to influence foreign involvement in India‟s nuclear industry . The third section provides a comprehensive overview of the uranium industry in Africa, mapping key producing regions, emerging mining frontiers, and the geopolitical significance of African uranium in the global nuclear fuel cycle. Particular attention is given to the political economy of uranium extraction and the strategic competition among external powers for secure supplies. The fourth section focuses specifically on Namibia‟s uranium sector, examining its production capacity, regulatory regime, environmental governance, and growing role as a major global supplier. The final section evaluates the prospects and limitations of India–Namibia uranium cooperation. It highlights strong political symmetry and historical ties while critically assessing legal constraints arising from Namibia‟s commitments under the Pelindaba Treaty and India‟s non-NPT status.