PM Modi announces major shift in India’s nuclear energy policy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced a major shift in India’s nuclear energy policy, signalling the entry of private players into a sector traditionally controlled by the government.

 Addressing the virtual inauguration of Hyderabad-based space start-up Skyroot’s Infinity Campus, Modi said, “We are moving towards opening the nuclear sector as well. We are laying the foundation for a strong role for the private sector in this field.” He added that this reform will create opportunities in small modular reactors, advanced reactors, and nuclear innovation, strengthening India’s energy security and technological leadership.

Government's goal towards Nuclear energy

 The government has set an ambitious goal of scaling India’s nuclear power capacity from the current 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047. To enable this, the Atomic Energy Bill, 2025, is set to be introduced in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament starting December 1. Currently, the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, bars private companies from participating in nuclear power generation, granting exclusive authority to the Centre.

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 Modi also praised private sector contributions to India’s space capabilities, highlighting Skyroot’s achievements as an example of youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship. He said the country is poised to emerge as a global leader in the satellite launch ecosystem, reflecting how technology-driven youth can transform India’s strategic sectors.