A. K. Mohanty, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, and Chris Wright, Secretary of the US Department of Energy, held discussions to explore opportunities for strengthening nuclear ties between India and the US in the interests of both sides. These talks took place in Washington on the sidelines of the IAEA initiative on nuclear energy technologies for maritime applications.
According to nuclear industry insiders in Mumbai, these conversations gained particular significance against the backdrop of India's plans to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. It is anticipated that this will be realized with the participation of both public and private entities in the nuclear sector.
The 'Sustainable Use and Development of Nuclear Energy for Transformation of India' (SHANTI) Act, passed by Parliament in December 2025, opened up possibilities for private participation in the Indian nuclear industry. On August 17, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) began public consultations on the draft rules of this law, which was adopted to modernize the country's legal framework in the field of nuclear energy.
Many American companies have expressed interest in building nuclear power plants in India and are interested in shaping the relevant regulations. The DAE stated in a post on X that 'discussions focused on the current developments in the bilateral civilian nuclear space and policy measures.'
The meeting between Mohanty and Wright in Washington occurred before the ministerial launch of a new IAEA initiative titled 'Atomic Technologies Licensed for Maritime Application' (ATLAS). In his statement, the head of India's nuclear energy emphasized the country's perspective on the growing role of nuclear technologies and the importance of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for maritime and civil marine sectors. He also highlighted the importance of international cooperation and confirmed India's readiness to contribute its experience and knowledge to the ATLAS program.