India’s Nuke policy: PM Modi announces plans to open nuclear sector to private players; pushing next-gen reactors, innovation

NEW DELHI: India is gearing up for a big shift in its nuclear policy as the Centre is now planning to allow private companies into the nuclear energy sector, a space that has traditionally been tightly controlled by the government.“We’ll open up nuclear sector to private sector soon… This will strengthen opportunities in small modular and advance reactors and nuclear innovations,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday.He made the announcement while virtually inaugurating Skyroot’s new Infinity Campus, the latest milestone for the Hyderabad-based space start-up founded by former Isro engineers.During his address, the Prime Minister also praised how private players have transformed India’s space capabilities ever since the sector was opened to them.“The nation is witnessing an unprecedented opportunity in the space sector today. The private sector is taking great strides in India’s space sector. Skyroot’s Infinity Campus is a reflection of new thinking, innovation and youth power,” he said.He highlighted that India began its space journey with very limited resources, yet managed to make a global impact, thanks in large part to decades of work by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He said Skyroot’s success shows how far India’s tech-driven youth can go.“Our youth’s innovation, risk-taking ability, and entrepreneurship are touching new heights. Today’s event shows that in future, India will emerge as a leader in the global satellite launch ecosystem,” the Prime Minister said.