Cross-border misinformation on the Internet has been on the rise. A Pakistani account named PSYWAR Bureau (@psywarops) has been frequently found sharing Fake and misleading news about India. Once again, the account has claimed, “Russia has reportedly suspended the supply of nuclear fuel to India, impacting the operational readiness of India’s Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. India currently possesses two SSBNs, but both are currently out of service due to a shortage of fuel and some technical issues.”
Following the user, other Pak accounts also shared and reported the claim.
Fact Check
We investigated the viral claim. During the process, we found a media report by the Times of India dated August 13, 2024. The report mentioned, “ India and Russia are working on a deal worth Rs 10,500 crore for the supply of nuclear fuel and core components to Kudankulam nuclear power plant’s two new units coming up with Moscow’s help, people in the know said.”
Furthermore, it added, “The deal envisages Russian nuclear fuel company TVEL JSC supplying to the dept of atomic energy the initial loads and subsequent five reloads for units 3 and 4 of the Kudankulam N-power project along with control rods and fuel assembly inspection tool set from 2025 to 2033.“
Nowhere in the media reports has been mentioned the suspension of the Supply of Nuclear Fuel To India.
Additionally, we also found a media report that mentioned, “The SSBN (naval parlance for nuclear-propelled submarines with nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles) will be commissioned within a month or two. She will then join her sister INS Arihant, which became fully operational in 2018”.
Conclusion
Thus, from the fact check it is evident that the viral claim is misleading. Thus, from the fact check it is clear that the viral claim of Suspension of Nuclear Fuel supply from Russia to India is False. India and Russia are eying a ₹10k cr N-fuel deal with local production in India.
DFRAC Analysis: Misleading
