India is preparing to open its civil nuclear energy sector to private participation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirming that the government is moving ahead with a comprehensive reform plan aimed at expanding the country’s nuclear capacity and accelerating clean-energy growth.
Speaking at a recent event, PM Modi stated that the government is “moving towards opening up the nuclear sector for private players,” adding that India must “unlock new pathways for innovation, investment, and advanced reactor technologies” to meet its long-term energy goals.
To enable this transition, the government is working on amendments to the Atomic Energy Act as well as the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act. These changes are expected to allow private companies to participate in building, operating, and supplying components for nuclear power projects, sectors that have historically remained under strict state control.
Officials have indicated that the reforms will be structured to maintain strong safety oversight, stringent liability norms, and regulatory accountability, even as private involvement grows. The policy shift is part of India’s broader push towards a cleaner, more resilient energy mix and aligns with the country’s ambitious plan to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power generation capacity by 2047.
The move also aims to bring in new capital, strengthen domestic manufacturing of nuclear components, and speed up deployment of next-generation reactors and small modular reactor technologies.
Further details on the amendment framework are expected to be presented during the upcoming parliamentary session, marking a significant milestone in India’s evolving nuclear energy strategy.
