U.S. nuclear companies are seeking to expand operations in India following the passage of the SHANTI Act to ease foreign investment barriers.
This shift allows the U.S. to tap into a growing energy market while helping India reach its ambitious carbon-reduction and power goals. The legislation removes longstanding liability concerns that previously deterred international firms from participating in the civil nuclear sector.
A delegation of 20 executive nuclear industry members [1] is visiting New Delhi and Mumbai this week. The group is meeting with Indian government officials, including BJP MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla, to discuss long-term partnerships and the localization of technology [1], [2].
The SHANTI Act specifically permits private and foreign investment in the civil nuclear sector by addressing the legal risks associated with nuclear plant operation [2], [3]. By opening the sector to greater foreign participation, India aims to accelerate the deployment of new reactors, a critical step in its national energy strategy.
India has set a target to reach 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047 [2], [3]. The government said that collaboration with U.S. firms will provide the necessary technical expertise and capital to meet this timeline.
The current visits focus on how U.S. technology can be integrated into the Indian grid and how local manufacturing can be scaled to support the 100 GW goal [1]. These discussions mark a significant pivot in the bilateral energy relationship between the two nations.
“India eyes 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047”
The passage of the SHANTI Act resolves a primary legal deadlock that has historically stalled U.S.-India nuclear cooperation. By mitigating liability risks for suppliers, India is transitioning from a state-led nuclear model to a hybrid system that welcomes private global capital, aligning its energy infrastructure with long-term climate targets.
