Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sustainable harnessing and advancement of nuclear energy for transforming India bill, 2025

At this stage of India’s energy transition, the country is revisiting the foundations of its nuclear framework to match present-day needs and future ambitions.
Over the decades, India’s nuclear programme has matured, its technological capabilities have strengthened, and its clean energy goals have expanded. These developments have created the need for a modern, comprehensive legislation that reflects today’s realities and tomorrow’s requirements.
The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, consolidates and modernises India’s nuclear legal framework.
The Bill reflects an effort to modernise the laws governing the nuclear sector, and present a single, comprehensive structure, for a streamlined and future-ready system.
It replaces The Atomic Energy Act, 1962, Amendments in 1986, 1987, and 2015 in the Atomic Energy Act of 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.
Increased private investment
The Bill permits private companies to participate in India’s nuclear sector, enabling them to undertake plant operations, power generation, equipment manufacturing, and selected activities such as the fabrication of nuclear fuel including conversion, refining and enrichment of uranium-235 up to such threshold value, or production, use, processing or disposal of other prescribed substances.
Greater international cooperation
The Bill Introduces a practical and balanced civil liability regime for addressing nuclear damage. It showcases India’s commitment and alignment to global best practices and meeting evolving international benchmarks.
Enhanced green tech
As a significant piece of legislation, it marks an important moment in the country’s broader journey toward building a secure and sustainable energy future.
It supports India’s clean-energy transition and the long-term objective of achieving 100GW nuclear energy capacity by 2047, and decarbonisation by 2047.
Nuclear energy is a clean and abundant source for electricity and hydrogen production and has the potential to address the clean energy needs of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
Strengthening future tech
Application of nuclear science and technology in energy, healthcare, food, water, agriculture, industry, research, environment and other non-power uses and its utilisation in Artificial Intelligence in supporting future-ready applications including advanced materials research, precision manufacturing, space technologies and industrial automation is crucial in fulfilling India’s developmental aspirations and achieving sustainable development goals.
Conclusion
The (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, stands as a pivotal step in shaping the next phase of India’s nuclear journey. By modernising the legal framework and strengthening institutional oversight, it creates the foundation for a more efficient, innovative, and secure nuclear ecosystem. The Bill supports India’s long-term vision of expanding clean, reliable energy while ensuring that strategic interests remain fully protected. As the country moves toward greater energy independence and technological advancement, this legislation can play a defining role in driving the growth of India’s nuclear power and broader energy landscape.
By Yogeshwar Sangwan
Ambassador of India to the Lao PDR

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update January 22, 2026)