Overview
- President Droupadi Murmu granted assent to the SHANTI Act, which repeals the 1962 Atomic Energy Act and the 2010 nuclear liability law to create a new licensing regime for private and joint-venture plant ownership and operations.
- Strategic fuel‑cycle functions including uranium/thorium mining, enrichment, reprocessing, high‑level waste management and heavy water production remain reserved for the central government and its entities.
- The US Embassy called the law a step toward a stronger energy security partnership and said Washington is ready for joint innovation and R&D in the energy sector.
- Coverage notes reported allowances of up to 49% FDI in specified nuclear activities and statutory recognition of the AERB, with a specialized claims commission and appellate path for nuclear damage disputes.
- Opposition leaders allege the bill was hurried to benefit corporate interests and to align with a US NDAA reference on liability rules, while legal analyses warn of lowered operator caps, possible preemption of environmental clearances, and gaps in long‑term waste and decommissioning funding.