India in Focus: Nuclear Ambitions and Global Engagement
India’s energy landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, with nuclear power poised to play a central role in its clean energy transition. As the country accelerates efforts to meet its climate goals and energy demands, its nuclear strategy is becoming more ambitious, inclusive, and globally engaged.
A New Era for India’s Nuclear Sector
India’s plans for nuclear energy are bold and increasingly open to international collaboration. The government has set out plans for accelerating expansion by preparing key legislative reforms to unlock private and foreign investment in the civil nuclear sector. Amendments to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act and the Atomic Energy Act are expected to ease liability concerns and allow private companies to hold minority stakes in nuclear projects. These changes aim to attract foreign capital, particularly from sovereign funds in West Asia, and to align India’s legal framework with global norms.
This reform momentum reflects a strategic pivot: India is not just seeking technology partnerships but is actively courting investment to scale up its nuclear capacity. With its Nuclear Energy Mission to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, the country is positioning nuclear energy as a reliable and clean baseload alternative to coal, essential for balancing the intermittency of renewables and driving socio-economic development.
Variety of technology Innovation
A key feature of India’s nuclear strategy is its push for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors, alongside large-scale technology. SMRs are seen as key to industrial decarbonisation and grid stability, especially as India scales up renewable energy. India’s domestic SMR development is progressing rapidly, with three prototypes in advanced design stages.
The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) has launched tenders for its Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) - compact 220 MWe pressurised heavy water reactors - drawing interest from leading private firms including Reliance, Tata Power, Adani, JSW Energy, and Jindal Steel & Power. These projects will be built on private partnerships but operated under NPCIL’s supervision, with electricity output earmarked for captive industrial use.
World Nuclear Association Driving Global Dialogue
The Association continues to play a pivotal role in shaping global nuclear discourse, and India is increasingly at the centre of these conversations. At the recent FT Live Energy Transition Summit in Mumbai, Shah Nawaz Ahmad, Senior India Advisor at World Nuclear Association, participated in a panel discussion exploring India’s nuclear ambitions. The session addressed critical questions around SMR viability, financing models, safety, and the role of nuclear in India’s energy mix.
Ahmad also spoke at a dedicated SMR event, further reinforcing our commitment to supporting India’s nuclear journey. These engagements underscore the growing international interest in India’s nuclear sector and the importance of platforms that foster dialogue between policymakers, industry leaders, and investors.
Looking Ahead: India Energy Week 2026
India Energy Week 2026 (IEW) — one of the world’s most important energy gatherings — in Goa will mark a significant milestone for the country’s nuclear sector. For the first time, the event will feature a dedicated Nuclear Zone, coordinated by World Nuclear Association. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for companies to exhibit technologies, engage with decision-makers, and position themselves at the forefront of India’s low-carbon transition.
The Nuclear Zone will also host a private networking reception, creating space for high-level discussions and partnerships. With India’s nuclear ambitions gaining momentum, IEW 2026 is set to become a key platform for collaboration and innovation.
We strongly encourage all our members to join us and exhibit as part of this united global nuclear presence. You can explore full details in our activity brochure here.
Final thoughts
India’s nuclear sector is entering a new phase—one defined by openness, innovation, and global engagement. Legislative reforms, SMR development, and international partnerships are converging to create a dynamic ecosystem that supports both national energy goals and global climate commitments. As India prepares to showcase its progress at IEW 2026, the message is clear: the country is ready to lead, collaborate, and shape the future of nuclear energy.
Further interest
Read our Information Paper on Nuclear Power in India
Listen to WNN Podcast: India's plans for large-scale nuclear energy expansion