U.S. Industry Delegation Meets Minister Jitendra Singh on SHANTI Act & 100 GW Nuclear Goal

U.S. Industry Delegation Meets Minister Jitendra Singh on SHANTI Act & 100 GW Nuclear Goal The U.S. industry delegation comprising the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) and the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum met Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh on May 18, 2026 . The discussion centred on expanding private and foreign participation in India’s nuclear sector under the newly enacted SHANTI Act , and on the ambitious target of reaching 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 . Key Developments Minister Singh reiterated India’s 12‑fold expansion plan: from the present 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047, a cornerstone of the ‘ Viksit Bharat ’ vision. The SHANTI Act allows up to 49% equity for private and foreign investors, overhauling the earlier liability regime that discouraged foreign vendors. Allocation of nearly ₹20,000 crore for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and discussions on micro‑reactors, AI‑enabled safety systems, and nuclear modelling. Progress review of the Westinghouse AP1000 project at Kovvada. Cooperation on the LIGO‑India observatory. Commitment to deepen industry‑led cooperation under the U.S.-India TRUST Initiative . Important Facts India currently operates 24 reactors delivering about 3% of electricity . By 2032 , capacity is projected to reach 22 GW through a mix of indigenous 700 MW pressurised heavy water reactors and internationally built units. The meeting was attended by Department of Science and Technology Secretary Rajesh S. Gokhale and senior officials of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). UPSC Relevance The session touches upon several GS‑3 themes: nuclear energy policy reforms, private sector participation, strategic technology partnerships, and large‑scale scientific projects. Understanding the SHANTI Act is crucial for questions on energy security and regulatory frameworks. The TRUST Initiative exemplifies India’s strategic use of technology diplomacy, a frequent UPSC topic. Way Forward Implementation of the SHANTI Act will require detailed guidelines on equity caps, liability norms and project approvals. Continued dialogue with U.S. industry players can accelerate SMR deployment, enhance safety through AI, and foster joint research such as LIGO‑India . Monitoring progress on the AP1000 and other international collaborations will be essential to meet the 100 GW target and to position India as a leader in next‑generation nuclear technology.