India has approved a major reform of its atomic energy sector, with the Union Cabinet clearing the Atomic Energy Bill, 2025. The legislation breaks decades of state exclusivity, creating a unified legal framework and allowing private and global companies to participate in key areas of the nuclear value chain.
India has approved a sweeping reform of its atomic energy regime, with the Union Cabinet on Friday clearing the Atomic Energy Bill, 2025 — titled SHANTI (Sustainable Harnessing of Advancement of Nuclear Technology for India). The legislation marks a decisive shift from decades of state exclusivity, creating a unified legal framework and allowing private participation across parts of the nuclear value chain.
A break from decades of state control
The SHANTI Bill proposes opening areas such as atomic mineral exploration, fuel fabrication and equipment manufacturing to private and global companies. While sensitive and strategic operations will remain under government control, officials say wider participation will accelerate expansion, innovation and technology access.
Revamp of nuclear liability regime
A central feature of the draft is a redesigned nuclear liability framework. The Bill seeks to address long-standing investor concerns by:
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clearly defining liability responsibilities
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introducing insurance-backed liability caps
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ensuring government support beyond a fixed threshold
The changes are aimed at improving investor confidence while maintaining public safety safeguards.
New safety authority and tribunal
The legislation proposes setting up an independent nuclear safety authority to bolster regulatory oversight. It also calls for a dedicated tribunal to handle nuclear-related disputes, intended to streamline resolution and enhance transparency in the sector.
Pushing towards 100 GW by 2047
India aims to scale nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047, a target that will require significant capital infusion, advanced technology and faster execution. With government funding alone insufficient, policymakers view private participation as essential to meeting long-term clean-energy goals.
Officials describe the SHANTI Bill as one of the most significant reforms in India’s nuclear programme, positioning atomic energy as a core pillar of the country’s energy transition and future energy security.
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