US nuclear industry to file feedback on India's draft SHANTI rules by September 4
The U.S. nuclear industry is preparing to submit comprehensive feedback to the Indian government on the draft rules and regulations under the SHANTI Act, which aims to open India's atomic energy sector to private participation.
Last week, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) released the draft rules and regulations of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, inviting public comments by September 4.
The U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), which led a delegation of U.S. nuclear industry representatives to India earlier this year to explore business opportunities in the civil nuclear sector, held discussions on Thursday with legal experts in India and the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI).
In a social media post, USISPF said it is coordinating a detailed industry submission to the DAE by the specified deadline.
The forum also convened a virtual briefing for its Nuclear Industry Committee, focusing on the draft SHANTI rules and regulations. According to USISPF, the session brought together senior industry leaders from across the nuclear value chain. The discussions covered key provisions of the draft rules and regulations, their implications for private sector entry, licensing, liability, and project structuring, as well as areas requiring industry attention and potential feedback to the government.
Expert speakers included Suhaan Mukerji of Delhi-based PLR Chambers and Ted Jones, Senior Director for National Security and International Programmes at NEI.
The draft rules represent one of India's first detailed steps to involve private players in its nuclear sector. They lay down procedures related to licensing, insurance, and approvals, while retaining government control over sensitive activities.
The SHANTI Act, once fully implemented, will allow private companies and joint ventures to build, own, and operate nuclear plants in India. It also permits them to decommission such plants and engage in nuclear research and development. Additionally, private entities would be able to manufacture nuclear fuel and use ionising radiation for non-electricity applications in medicine, agriculture, and other industries.
India has set an ambitious target of generating 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power by 2047. The country also plans to set up at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033. SMRs are advanced nuclear fission reactors capable of producing up to 300 megawatts of electricity each.
The U.S. industry's engagement reflects growing international interest in India's expanding nuclear programme. The government's move to open the sector is seen as a significant policy shift, as private investment is expected to accelerate the development of nuclear infrastructure.
