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

<h2>U.S. Industry Delegation Meets Minister Jitendra Singh on SHANTI Act & 100 GW Nuclear Goal</h2> <p>The <strong>U.S. industry delegation</strong> comprising the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Nuclear Energy Institute — a trade association representing the U.S. nuclear power industry, important for understanding Indo‑U.S. energy cooperation (GS3: Economy)">Nuclear Energy Institute</span> (NEI) and the <span class="key-term" data-definition="U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum — a platform for bilateral dialogue on strategic technology and industry collaboration (GS3: Economy)">U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum</span> met <strong>Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh</strong> on <strong>May 18, 2026</strong>. The discussion centred on expanding private and foreign participation in India’s nuclear sector under the newly enacted <span class="key-term" data-definition="SHANTI Act – Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Act, 2025; replaces the Atomic Energy Act 1962 and liberalises nuclear investment (GS3: Economy)">SHANTI Act</span>, and on the ambitious target of reaching <strong>100 GW</strong> nuclear capacity by <strong>2047</strong>. <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>Minister Singh reiterated India’s <strong>12‑fold expansion</strong> plan: from the present <strong>8.8 GW</strong> to <strong>100 GW</strong> by 2047, a cornerstone of the ‘<strong>Viksit Bharat</strong>’ vision.</li> <li>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="SHANTI Act – Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Act, 2025; replaces the Atomic Energy Act 1962 and liberalises nuclear investment (GS3: Economy)">SHANTI Act</span> allows up to <strong>49% equity</strong> for private and foreign investors, overhauling the earlier liability regime that discouraged foreign vendors.</li> <li>Allocation of nearly <strong>₹20,000 crore</strong> for <span class="key-term" data-definition="Small Modular Reactors – compact nuclear reactors with capacities of 10‑300 MW, offering flexibility and quicker deployment (GS3: Economy)">Small Modular Reactors</span> (SMRs) and discussions on micro‑reactors, AI‑enabled safety systems, and nuclear modelling.</li> <li>Progress review of the Westinghouse <span class="key-term" data-definition="AP1000 – a Generation III+ pressurised water reactor design by Westinghouse, representing Indo‑U.S. nuclear collaboration (GS3: Economy)">AP1000</span> project at Kovvada.</li> <li>Cooperation on the <span class="key-term" data-definition="LIGO-India – a gravitational‑wave observatory project costing ₹2,600 crore, jointly implemented with the U.S. LIGO Laboratory and NSF, showcasing scientific collaboration (GS3: Science & Technology)">LIGO‑India</span> observatory.</li> <li>Commitment to deepen industry‑led cooperation under the <span class="key-term" data-definition="U.S.-India TRUST Initiative – Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology; a bilateral framework launched in 2025 covering defence, AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotech, energy, space and critical minerals (GS3: Economy)">U.S.-India TRUST Initiative</span>.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>India currently operates <strong>24 reactors</strong> delivering about <strong>3% of electricity</strong>. By <strong>2032</strong>, capacity is projected to reach <strong>22 GW</strong> through a mix of indigenous 700 MW pressurised heavy water reactors and internationally built units. The meeting was attended by <strong>Department of Science and Technology Secretary Rajesh S. Gokhale</strong> and senior officials of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Department of Atomic Energy – the Indian government department responsible for nuclear power generation, research and related policy (GS3: Economy)">Department of Atomic Energy</span> (DAE).</p> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>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 <span class="key-term" data-definition="SHANTI Act – Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Act, 2025; replaces the Atomic Energy Act 1962 and liberalises nuclear investment (GS3: Economy)">SHANTI Act</span> is crucial for questions on energy security and regulatory frameworks. The <span class="key-term" data-definition="U.S.-India TRUST Initiative – Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology; a bilateral framework launched in 2025 covering defence, AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotech, energy, space and critical minerals (GS3: Economy)">TRUST Initiative</span> exemplifies India’s strategic use of technology diplomacy, a frequent UPSC topic. <h3>Way Forward</h3> <p>Implementation of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="SHANTI Act – Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Act, 2025; replaces the Atomic Energy Act 1962 and liberalises nuclear investment (GS3: Economy)">SHANTI Act</span> 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 <span class="key-term" data-definition="LIGO-India – a gravitational‑wave observatory project costing ₹2,600 crore, jointly implemented with the U.S. LIGO Laboratory and NSF, showcasing scientific collaboration (GS3: Science & Technology)">LIGO‑India</span>. 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.</p>