UPSC Notes

India's Nuclear Energy Policy & International Cooperation

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Critical for India's energy security, climate change commitments, technological advancements in clean energy, and the role of international partnerships and private investment in strategic sectors.

India's nuclear energy policy aims to achieve energy security and reduce carbon emissions by expanding its nuclear power capacity, leveraging both indigenous technology and international cooperation. This includes developing advanced reactor designs and exploring private sector participation to accelerate growth.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant

Ongoing discussions with French power giant EDF for six reactor units, a project under discussion for over 15 years.

SHANTI Act

Legislation governing the nuclear sector, opening avenues for French nuclear companies, including private sector participation.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

Focus on advanced SMRs as a potential area for collaboration and future nuclear energy development.

Private Sector Participation

Encouraging direct participation of French nuclear companies, potentially with Indian private sector partners.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaClimate Change
Conceptual areaEnergy Security

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)Implements nuclear power projects
EDF (French power giant)Potential collaborator/supplier
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Aims for energy security, carbon reduction.
  • Jaitapur project with French EDF ongoing.
  • SHANTI Act facilitates private/foreign participation.
  • Focus on advanced Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
  • International cooperation crucial for capacity expansion.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Climate ChangeEnergy Security
Prelims 2020· Conceptual understanding, Institutional roles and functions

India, France adopt Innovation Roadmap 2030, Economic Security Dialogue

15 Jun 2026 · India's nuclear energy policy, guided by the SHANTI Act, is actively pursuing international cooperation, notably with France for the Jaitapur project, and exploring private sector involvement and the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to boost its clean energy capacity.

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Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on India's Nuclear Energy Policy & International Cooperation in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.