Indian lawmakers pass nuclear energy bill to allow private investments

​​​​​​​By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - India's lower house, Lok Sabha, passed a nuclear energy bill on Wednesday, paving the way for private firms to enter the industry.

The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill (SHANTI) 2025 allows the entry of private players into the nuclear industry, which was previously reserved for government enterprises, The Times of India reported.

Private companies and their joint ventures would be permitted to seek authorization to establish and operate nuclear facilities and transport nuclear fuel under the proposed legislation.

But critical activities, including uranium enrichment, spent fuel management and heavy water production, will remain under government control.

Minister of State for the Department of Atomic Energy Jitendra Singh said the bill provides for “a pragmatic civil liability regime for nuclear damage and to confer statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board."

The bill seeks to promote the expansion of nuclear energy across sectors.

It introduces updated safety rules, a dedicated nuclear tribunal and changes to the liability framework to reduce risk and attract investment.

But the bill will need to gain approval of the upper house to become law.