In a landmark policy shift, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the Union government is preparing to open India’s nuclear energy sector to private investment—an unprecedented move that could reshape the nation’s energy landscape for decades to come. The announcement was made during the virtual inauguration of Skyroot Aerospace’s new Infinity Campus in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Speaking at the event, PM Modi said the government is steadily expanding the scope of structural reforms across high-tech and strategic sectors.
“Just as India opened the space sector to private innovation, we are now moving towards opening the nuclear sector as well,” he declared.
Private Sector to Power Next Wave of Nuclear Innovation
PM Modi emphasised that this reform will create a robust ecosystem for private players to innovate in nuclear technology, including emerging areas such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor designs, and breakthrough nuclear-energy applications.
“A strong role for the private sector is being laid in this field, which will create opportunities in advanced reactors and nuclear innovation. This step will give new strength to India’s energy security and technological leadership,” the Prime Minister said.
Experts believe the move could attract major domestic and global investments into India’s clean-energy sector, enabling the country to accelerate its transition to low-carbon power sources.
Praise for India’s Growing Space Ambitions
Highlighting India’s momentum in the space industry, PM Modi said the country is experiencing an “unprecedented opportunity” as private companies become major drivers of innovation.
He described Skyroot’s newly launched Infinity Campus as a symbol of youth-led innovation, technological expansion, and India’s emerging leadership in the global launch-services market.
“From carrying rocket parts on bicycles to creating the world’s most trusted launch vehicles, ISRO has shown that resolve is greater than resources,” PM Modi added, applauding the Indian Space Research Organisation’s historic contributions.
Vikram-I Orbital Rocket Unveiled
During the virtual event, the Prime Minister also unveiled Vikram-I, Skyroot’s first orbital launch vehicle, engineered to place satellites into orbit. The company’s new campus spans nearly 200,000 sq ft, designed to support the design, integration, and testing of multiple launch vehicles.
The facility has the capability to produce one orbital rocket every month, signalling India’s rapid rise as a competitive global hub for satellite launches.
