The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has welcomed India’s newly enacted Shanti Act and expressed strong support for the country’s ambitious plans to expand nuclear power generation. Speaking in Vienna, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi described the legislation as a positive development that could accelerate India’s nuclear energy programme and strengthen its role in the global atomic energy landscape.

Grossi’s remarks represent one of the first public endorsements of the Shanti Act, formally known as the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Act, 2025. The legislation aims to reform India’s nuclear liability framework, address long-standing concerns among investors and industry participants, and encourage broader private sector involvement in the nuclear energy sector. The government views the law as a key component of its strategy to expand clean and reliable energy generation.

During the interaction, Grossi highlighted India’s long-standing position as a major nuclear power user, developer, and technology participant. He noted that the country’s energy policy increasingly places emphasis on nuclear power as part of a diversified energy portfolio. According to Grossi, India’s expansion plans are likely to deepen cooperation between the country and the IAEA as new projects and initiatives move forward in the coming years.

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India currently operates nearly two dozen nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of around 8 gigawatts. The government has outlined an ambitious target of increasing nuclear power generation capacity to approximately 100 gigawatts by 2047. Officials see nuclear energy as a critical pillar of India’s long-term energy security strategy, complementing renewable energy sources while providing stable and low-carbon electricity to support economic growth.

The IAEA chief also addressed concerns about the security of nuclear facilities in conflict zones, citing incidents involving nuclear infrastructure in different parts of the world. While acknowledging that attacks on civilian nuclear facilities remain a serious concern, Grossi stressed that the international community continues to actively monitor and respond to such risks. He emphasized that the IAEA remains engaged on the ground in affected regions and works to safeguard nuclear installations against potential threats.

Despite growing geopolitical tensions and security challenges, Grossi said global interest in nuclear energy remains strong. He noted that countries continue to pursue nuclear power because of its contribution to energy security, technological advancement, and long-term sustainability goals. His endorsement of India’s nuclear expansion plans and the Shanti Act is likely to be viewed as a significant vote of confidence as the country seeks to establish itself as a leading force in the future of global nuclear energy.

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