Amidst the ongoing faceoff over trade tariffs, the Indo-US civilian nuclear energy programme has received a shot in the arm with CORE Energy Systems Ltd partnering with US-based Flowserve US Corporation to locally manufacture Primary Coolant Pumps (PCPs), a critical component of nuclear reactors.

The collaboration, formalized at a signing ceremony in Washington, DC, marks a major step toward strengthening India's nuclear capacity and advancing the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement.

To recall, the collaboration aligns with the vision set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump during their meeting in February 2025 to fully realize the 123 civilian nuclear agreement by building US-designed nuclear reactors in India.

What are PCPs?

PCPs are essential for the safe operation of a nuclear power plant, ensuring a continuous coolant supply to remove heat from the reactor core.

According to a joint statement, localizing their production will enhance India's self-sufficiency, strengthen its supply chain, and support the 'Make in India' initiative.

The collaboration was made possible after the US Department of Energy (DOE) granted Flowserve US specific authorization to transfer its advanced PCP technology to India -- a first-of-its-kind approval. The move reflects the deepening trust and cooperation between the two nations on civil nuclear energy.

'India's march toward energy independence'

Ihab Botros, Vice President of Engineered Pumps at Flowserve US, said the achievement marks a "significant step forward in India's nuclear growth and the global clean energy transition." He added that the company, with its experience of over 5,000 pumps operating in more than 200 reactors worldwide, sees India as an "important part of the industry’s future."

Nagesh Basarkar, Chairman and Managing Director of CORE Energy Systems, emphasized that the collaboration not only brings world-class technology to India's nuclear sector but also reinforces national supply-chain resilience. "It marks a pivotal milestone in India’s march toward energy independence," Basarkar said.

The agreement directly supports India's ambitious nuclear roadmap, which aims for 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047. The localization of PCP manufacturing is seen as a crucial step in building a robust domestic supply chain, unlocking new capacity, and supporting private sector participation.