India’s Nuclear Expansion Faces Hurdles Over Foreign Reactor Rules

India’s ambitious plan to expand nuclear power could face delays after proposed regulations introduced additional approval requirements for foreign reactor technologies. Experts warn the framework could discourage international investment and limit access to newer reactor designs, despite last year’s landmark law opening the nuclear sector to private companies.

India aims to increase nuclear capacity nearly tenfold to 100 GW over the next two decades, requiring an estimated $210 billion in investment. Major Indian companies, including Tata Power, Adani Power and Reliance Industries, along with foreign firms such as Rosatom, EDF and GE Hitachi, have shown interest. However, imported reactors would require licensing certifications from their home countries as well as separate design approval from India’s nuclear regulator.

Industry executives also say uncertainty over tariffs, investor returns, fuel arrangements and approval timelines could further slow projects. Small modular reactors, which India views as a promising lower-cost technology, could face particular difficulties because many designs are still in early stages of commercial deployment. The government says the proposed rules prioritise safety and follow international practices, with the final regulations expected after public consultation.

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