Jaishankar Calls For Amendment To Nuclear Liability Law To Boost Investment And Meet 2047 Energy Goals

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has called for changes to India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, saying that the existing framework has failed to attract international investment and has slowed the growth of India’s nuclear energy sector.

Existing Law Not Inspiring Confidence- Jaishankar

Speaking at the Carnegie Global Technology Summit 2025, Jaishankar noted that the current liability law has not given the international nuclear industry enough confidence to invest in Indian projects. “Clearly, the current law has not instilled confidence in the international nuclear industry for nuclear projects to take place in this country,” he said.

Referring to India’s nuclear roadmap that began in 2005, the minister said the policy had not delivered the results initially expected. “If it has not produced the kind of outcomes envisaged 20 years ago, we should have the honesty to ask ourselves what needs to be changed,” he added.

Private Sector Participation Encouraged

Jaishankar highlighted growing interest from private players in the nuclear sector and said the government is open to involving them more directly. “There is already a strong expression of interest,” he said, suggesting a more inclusive policy approach going forward.

Target: 100 GW of Nuclear Energy by 2047

India has set an ambitious target of generating 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy by the year 2047, coinciding with the centenary of India’s independence. Jaishankar emphasized that policy reforms, especially in liability norms, are essential to achieving this goal.

Global & Domestic Investment

The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, enacted in 2010, has often been criticized by global players for being overly restrictive. Amending this law could help India access critical international partnerships, technology transfers, and private capital.

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