Russia announces it'll build small-scale nuclear power plant in Myanmar

India’s eastern neighbour Myanmar — seeking to lessen over-dependence on China — announced a wide-ranging economic partnership with Russia including in civil nuclear energy during junta chief Min Aung Hlaing’s ongoing visit to Moscow.

In a significant move—after a meeting between Min Aung Hlaing and Russian President Vladimir Putin—the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday for construction of a small nuclear power plant in Myanmar with Russian support. Rosatom, Russia's state-run nuclear power corporation, said the plant would have a capacity of 100 megawatts with the possibility of trebling that capacity.

Russia, which supplied 90% of Myanmar’s energy needs last year, has agreed to step up energy supplies to the Southeast Asian country. The junta chief also sought Moscow’s support for other projects in Myanmar besides hailing Buddhism links between the two countries, said people familiar with the visit.


Putin appreciated the expanding ties with Myanmar during his talks with Min Aung Hlaing and thanked him for gifting Moscow six elephants. "This year, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the signing of the declaration on the foundations of friendship between our countries," Putin said, adding "relations between our countries are indeed developing steadily.”

Putin announced that a military unit from Myanmar would take part in the victory day parade in Moscow on May 9. On his part, Min Aung Hlaing appreciated the quality of Russian military hardware that Myanmar is currently using.

Myanmar Air Force has acquired six Sukhoi Su-30 SME fighter jets from Russia amid major technical troubles with its Chinese-origin JF-17 Thunder fighters. Myanmar Air Force acquired the Russian warplanes under a $400 million contract signed in 2018. The jets were commissioned at the Meiktila Air Base in Mandalay on December 15, 2024.

The Su-30 SME fighters could help Myanmar Air Force turn the tide against the rebel groups, which have captured territories along the border with India among other areas in the country.

Recent chatter on Chinese social media—allegedly controlled by the state—expressed critical views on the growing Russian presence in China’s backyard. Similar views on Chinese social media were visible when Putin travelled to North Korea that led to strengthening of North Korea-Russia defence ties.