India's SHANTI Act: Bold, Forward-looking and Future-ready

The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025 is a landmark moment. It replaces The Atomic Energy Act, 1962, Amendments in 1986, 1987, and 2015 in the Atomic Energy Act of 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010. This is a bold forward-looking vision to address current concerns, embrace the requirements of tomorrow and shape India’s long-term energy pathway.tnCURRENT NUCLEAR ENERGY BACKDROP

Nuclear energy has maintained a steady role in India’s energy mix. It accounts for around 3% of total electricity generation. India currently has 24 operable nuclear reactors with a total installed capacity of 8.78 GW. The capacity is projected to rise to 22.38 GW by 2031-32. The objective of the Nuclear Energy Mission is to achieve 100 GW by 2047, aligning with India’s clean energy goals for meeting the 2070 net-zero target.

The Government of India has been pushing the design, development and deployment of indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMR)s. The target is to design and operationalise five indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033.  

THE NEED FOR SHANTI ACT

India’s growing energy demands and clean energy commitments make a strong case for expanding nuclear capacity. It is also a step towards realisation of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.  The strategic aim is to mark India as a leader in advanced nuclear technologies while ensuring sustainable energy security. The Act encourages innovation, reiterates highest safety, security and standards, provides flexibility and reliability. It is a recognition of the progress of India’s rapidly advancing nuclear industry and confidence in the journey ahead.  The Act consolidates and modernises India’s nuclear legal framework.

Some Key Features of the SHANTI Act:

(i) Embrace of the private stake-holders in the nuclear energy sector

(ii) Unified legislation leading to activities under exclusive Central/Federal Government or wholly owned institutions purview

(iii) Enhanced Licensing and Safety Oversight

(iv) Graded Liability Framework

(v) Regulatory Framework for use of nuclear and radiation technologies, like health, agriculture, research, etc.

(vi) Practical and Balanced Civil Liability Regime

(vii) Allows Exemption for certain Activities

(viii) Formal Statutory Recognition to Atomic Energy Regulatory Board

(ix) Establishes an Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council

(x) Appellate Tribunal Provision

(xi) Empowers the Central Government to appoint Claims Commissioners for adjudicating compensation claims related to nuclear damage

(xii) Enhanced safeguards and monitoring systems ensure consistent compliance across all nuclear activities

OPPORTUNITY FOR VIET NAM

India and Vietnam have bilateral institutional cooperation for utilisation of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. There is a robust ongoing bilateral Joint Committee mechanism on Atomic Energy Cooperation. India has been working closely with Vietnam on capacity building and technical cooperation. India with its indigenous capabilities in civil nuclear energy generation is an ideal partner as Vietnam gravitates towards nuclear energy. India is committed to continuing our close cooperation in this domain with a strategic friend Vietnam.

The Government of India set up the Bhabhatron-II system at the Can Tho Oncology Hospital in 2008. This state-of-the-art nuclear medicine cancer therapy machine is functional and treating patients.

The SHANTI Act has opened the doors of innovation, entrepreneurship and clean reliable energy with a futuristic horizon. The Act marks India’s leap to expand nuclear power, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and ensure round-the-clock clean energy in line with Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. It is the march of a confident nation towards the future keeping in mind its domestic and the global need for clean energy, secure nuclear ecosystem, steadfastly reaffirming India’s impeccable non-proliferation commitments and global responsibility for climate change.