The "Nuclear Mission" announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 will mark a transformative shift in India's energy landscape and will enable Nuclear Power to emerge as a major source of energy in India said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (IC) for Earth Sciences, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, and Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh in an exclusive media interview.

He emphasized the government's futuristic roadmap for the nuclear energy sector, which will significantly contribute to achieving self-sufficiency in energy production.

In a landmark move, Dr. Singh hailed the announcement that India's nuclear energy sector has been opened for private sector participation. Calling this step "revolutionary," he noted that for 60-70 years, the sector operated under secrecy. Now, with greater openness and collaboration, India can accelerate growth and innovation in nuclear energy, aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Highlighting India's reliance on petroleum imports, Dr. Singh reaffirmed the government's commitment to clean and sustainable energy solutions. And categorically mentioned that nuclear energy will be a major source of India’s energy security.

Recognizing nuclear power as a cornerstone for energy security, the government has introduced the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat, aiming to enhance domestic nuclear capabilities, promote private sector participation, and deploy advanced nuclear technologies.

The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated Rs. 20,000 crore for R&D in Small Modular Reactors, targeting at least five indigenously designed operational SMRs by 2033. This aligns with India's target of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, a major step toward reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy sustainability.

He informed that India’s nuclear power capacity, currently at 8,180 MW, is set to expand to 22,480 MW by 2031-32, with ten reactors under construction across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, plans for ten more reactors are in progress, with a major 6x1,208 MW nuclear power plant in collaboration with the USA at Kovvada, Andhra Pradesh.

He shared that a significant milestone was achieved on September 19, 2024, when the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project’s Unit-7 (RAPP-7) reached criticality, marking the beginning of a controlled fission chain reaction—an achievement highlighting India’s growing nuclear prowess.

He reaffirmed India's commitment to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy generation by 2030, in line with its COP26 pledge, and PM Modi’s vision for net-zero emissions by 2070 he remarked that it was Prime Minister Modi who initiated the Mission LiFE. He emphasized that India's approach to nuclear and biotech advancements follows a whole-of-government and whole-of-science model, ensuring integrated progress.

Towards the conclusion, he reiterated that provisions for nuclear power in Union Budget 2025-26 mark a transformative shift in India's energy landscape. By expanding nuclear energy as a sustainable, scalable, and secure power source, the government aims to bolster energy security and meet the nation’s long-term economic and environmental goals.

He reaffirmed that the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat is poised to accelerate nuclear power development, positioning India as a global leader in advanced nuclear technology by 2047.