New chapter in India–France nuclear partnership with the ‘Shanti Act’

The SHANTI Act reforms in India’s nuclear sector are expected to transform India–France cooperation from a government-level partnership into a broader industrial collaboration involving private companies and advanced reactor technologies. According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the framework allows private participation as well as foreign direct investment, opening the Indian nuclear sector to French companies and joint ventures with Indian private firms. This is expected to significantly reshape India’s nuclear industry landscape.

France has been one of the earliest supporters of India’s entry into global civil nuclear cooperation frameworks. The long-standing partnership, strengthened by the 2008 civil nuclear agreement, includes cooperation in nuclear energy production, fuel supply, safety, research, and waste management. The Jaitapur nuclear project, involving EDF and NPCIL, remains a flagship initiative. Both countries are also exploring next-generation technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), strengthening energy security, sustainability, and strategic autonomy.