India moves to open nuclear sector to private operators

NEW DELHI, December 16, 2025 – India has introduced a bill that would allow private companies to build and operate nuclear power plants for the first time, marking the end of decades of state monopoly, Reuters reported on Monday.

Under the proposed bill, private Indian firms and foreign companies in joint ventures with Indian participation will be able to apply for licences after securing government approval. Named the Sustainable Harnessing of Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025, the legislation also removes provisions that allow nuclear operators to sue suppliers for equipment defects.

In addition, the bill doubles operator liability to INR 30 billion (USD 331 million) for large nuclear reactors and proposes establishing a nuclear liability fund to cover accident claims, in line with international practices.

The bill must be approved by India’s upper and lower houses of parliament to become law.

While private companies will be allowed to import and process uranium, the government will retain control of strategic activities, such as uranium mining and the enrichment and re-processing of nuclear fuel.

India currently generates 8.2 GW of nuclear power and aims to expand capacity to 100 GW over the next 20 years as part of its clean energy strategy. The government is targeting USD 26 billion in private investment and may involve firms such as Tata Power, Adani Power and Reliance Industries.

State-run Nuclear Power Corp of India owns and operates the country’s nuclear fleet. It was established in 1987 and manages 23 reactors, with plans to increase installed capacity. Foreign suppliers such as GE, Westinghouse and EDF have long been interested in India’s nuclear market.

Photo by Ravi Teja Sagam

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