Rafael Arutiunian, first deputy director of Nuclear Safety Institute

– The Indians are building the Russia-designed plant independently

Kudankulam NPP is not just successful but unique project: this plant is being build by our Indian partners almost independently, unlike Tianwan NPP, where we helped our partners. One example, almost 2,000 Russian specialists were involved in the Tianwan project against just 80 specialists working at Kunankulam.

The Indians have a big experience of NPP construction and are building Kudankulam independently. This is a unique experience for them and, even though they are facing certain problems and difficulties on the way, they are doing their work excellently. Russia is just supplying equipment and overseeing the compliance with the schedule.

We are fully meeting our obligations to our Indian partners. Today, we have supplied them with the first lot of nuclear fuel. Under the contract, Atomstroyexport is coordinating the project, supplying equipment and will help the Indians to launch the plant.