India’s Parliament approved the SHANTI Bill on Thursday, enabling private companies to enter the tightly controlled civil nuclear sector. The legislation, passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and Rajya Sabha on Thursday, seeks to accelerate clean energy production. It awaits presidential assent in New Delhi.
This development holds key implications for South Asia, where energy demands surge amid climate pressures. India’s push for nuclear expansion could influence regional strategies on sustainable power, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and fostering cross-border collaborations.
SHANTI Bill: Key Provisions and Reforms
The SHANTI Bill, formally known as the Atomic Energy Bill 2025, represents a significant India civil nuclear reform. It allows private entities to participate in generating nuclear power, marking a shift from decades of state monopoly. Government officials state that core controls over strategic materials, spent fuel, and safety remain with the Centre.
Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh, overseeing atomic energy, told lawmakers that the bill aligns with global benchmarks. “India’s role in geopolitics is increasing. And if we have to be a global player effectively, we have to live up to global benchmarks, follow global parameters and adopt global strategies,” he said during the debate.
The legislation provides statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, ensuring uniform safety standards across all facilities. It includes enforceable penalties for violations. Private participation is restricted to authorised entities, with no compromise on national security.
India operates 25 nuclear reactors with 9 GW capacity, all under public management. Over 75% of the country’s electricity comes from fossil fuels, mainly coal. The SHANTI Bill aims to support the target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047, powering nearly 60 million homes annually.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the passage. “The passing of the SHANTI Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a transformational moment for our technology landscape,” he stated. “From safely powering AI to enabling green manufacturing, it delivers a decisive boost to a clean-energy future for the country and the world.”
Opposition Concerns on India Nuclear Private Sector
Critics raised alarms over potential risks. Opposition parties argued the bill dilutes safeguards, urging referral to a parliamentary panel. The government rejected this.
Ashok Mittal, a lawmaker from the Aam Aadmi Party, highlighted health impacts. “The bill doesn’t have sufficient safeguards when it comes to mitigating the bad health of those impacted by living in areas closer to nuclear plants,” he said.
Anti-nuclear activist G Sundarrajan called it a “disastrous law”. He claimed it removes essential protections, limiting recourse for citizens affected by radiation leaks or health issues from nuclear operations.
Supporters counter that the SHANTI Bill strengthens liability frameworks. It ensures no-fault compensation under law. Radiation levels at Indian plants stay below global limits, with no proven cancer risks, per official data.
Karthik Ganesan, from the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, praised the move. “It marks a momentous milestone for India and signals capable private sector players that the country is open for business in the nuclear energy space,” he noted.
The bill emerges amid India’s $2 billion pledge for nuclear research. It positions nuclear as a reliable baseload source, complementing intermittent renewables like solar and wind.
Background
India’s nuclear journey began in 1962 with the Atomic Energy Act, focusing on state control for security reasons. Post-2008 civil nuclear deals with the US and others, capacity grew modestly. Current output meets just 3% of energy needs.
The SHANTI Bill updates this framework for modern realities. It enables small modular reactors, seen as key for rapid deployment. This India civil nuclear reform addresses growing demands from urbanisation and industry.
South Asia faces shared challenges like power shortages and pollution. India’s initiative could spur similar reforms in neighbours, though concerns over proliferation persist.
What’s Next
Presidential assent is expected soon, making the SHANTI Bill law. Implementation will involve guidelines for private bids. Experts predict investments from domestic firms like Tata and Reliance, plus international partners.
The government plans consultations on regulations. Focus will shift to pilot projects in safe zones. By 2030, first private-led reactors could operate, contributing to net-zero goals.
This Atomic Energy Bill 2025 opens doors for innovation in the India nuclear private sector. Challenges include public acceptance and waste management.
The SHANTI Bill sets India on a path to energy independence, balancing growth with safety in a changing world.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 19th, 2025
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