BS EDIT: A New Chapter for India's Nuclear Ambition

By Business StandardPublished On Dec 15, 2025

Unlocking Private Sector Participation

The SHANTI Bill aims to amend existing laws to allow up to 49% private & foreign investment in nuclear power plants, addressing long-standing regulatory and liability gaps

Betting on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

A ₹20,000-crore mission targets 5 SMRs by 2033. These smaller, faster-to-build reactors are key to a reliable low-carbon alternative to coal-based power

The Staggering Scale of Investment

To reach 100 GW by 2047 from ~9 GW today, India needs ~$214 billion. Accessing low-cost global green finance, amid global ambivalence, remains a critical challenge

The Crucial Liability Clause

The supplier liability clause in current law has deterred major foreign players. Amending the CLND Act is pivotal to attracting advanced technology and partnerships

Beyond Technology: Managing Risk & Perception

While statistically safe, nuclear accidents have catastrophic legacies. Building public trust and robust compensation mechanisms is as vital as securing finance

The Strategic Path Forward

Success hinges on a sustained focus: enabling legal frameworks, international collaboration (e.g., with Russia), and creating a viable environment for private capital