India-U.S. Discussions Focus on Advanced Nuclear Technologies

India’s long-term nuclear energy roadmap is opening new avenues for collaboration in advanced reactor systems, clean energy technologies and strategic research infrastructure. Recent discussions between Indian officials and a U.S. industry delegation focused on expanding cooperation in areas such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), nuclear safety systems, scientific computing and advanced materials.

India has set a target of scaling nuclear power capacity from the present 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047 as part of its broader clean energy transition strategy. Supporting this expansion, the recently enacted SHANTI Act, 2025 introduces provisions for greater participation of private and foreign industry in nuclear energy projects, manufacturing and technology partnerships.

Among the key areas discussed was the development of Small Modular Reactors, for which nearly ₹20,000 crore has been allocated. Opportunities for collaboration in micro-reactors, AI-enabled safety systems, nuclear energy modelling and integrated energy systems were also explored.

The interaction additionally reviewed progress on ongoing India–U.S. scientific collaborations, including the proposed Westinghouse AP1000 project at Kovvada and the LIGO-India project, which is being implemented with the U.S.-based LIGO Laboratory and the National Science Foundation. Approved with a budgetary provision of ₹2,600 crore, LIGO-India is expected to strengthen India’s capabilities in gravitational-wave research and advanced scientific instrumentation.

Discussions also covered cooperation in hydrogen technologies, rare earths and superconducting accelerator systems through Fermilab partnerships, reflecting the expanding scope of India–U.S. engagement in frontier science and technology sectors.