DCIR, IIT Madras Conference Examines India’s Nuclear Energy Expansion

The Deccan Centre for International Relations (DCIR), an independent think tank under the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR), organized a conference with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras on October 8, 2026, to examine the policy, technology, and industry requirements for expanding India’s nuclear energy sector.

The one-day international conference, titled “Building India’s Nuclear Ecosystem: Policy, Technology & Industry,” was held at the TT Jagannathan Auditorium at IIT Madras.

According to a DCIR statement, the conference took place amid renewed global interest in nuclear energy as countries seek to strengthen energy security and address climate change. The statement noted that countries are reconsidering nuclear power as a reliable, low-carbon source of baseload electricity.

“India stands at a particularly important juncture in this global story, with ambitious targets for expanding nuclear capacity, a long-standing three-stage programme, and a growing recognition of the need for faster, more cost-effective deployment,” the statement added.

Ambassador T. S. Tirumurti, chair of DCIR’s Steering Committee and former permanent representative of India to the United Nations in New York, delivered a welcome address. Prof. (Dr.) Manu Santhanam, Dean for Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (IC&SR), Professor – Civil Engineering, IIT-Madras, also welcomed participants.

IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti delivered a special address, while Atomic Energy Commission member Anil Kakodkar gave the keynote address on “India’s Nuclear Vision,” outlining the strategic context for the discussions. DCIR Senior Advisor Balasubramanian C delivered closing remarks.

The technical sessions explored the opportunities and challenges involved in developing India’s nuclear sector, with particular attention to small modular reactors (SMRs). Participants discussed their potential role in the energy mix, ways new entrants could accelerate construction, and the precision engineering capabilities required of Indian industry. The sessions also examined how the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is preparing for developments in this area.

Discussions on small and medium enterprises addressed the infrastructure needed to support precision engineering for SMRs and modular reactors, along with the manufacturing requirements of advanced reactor designs. Private developers shared perspectives on technology development, industry challenges, and risk mitigation, according to the statement.

Other sessions focused on strengthening domestic value chains and building capacity. Topics included establishing formal collaboration between academia and industry, developing certification models for micro, small, and medium enterprises, and addressing quality management and regulatory clearance requirements. Participants also examined the technical and commercial considerations involved in upgrading supply chains into value chains.

Andrea Borio di Tigliole, program coordinator in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Department of Nuclear Energy, delivered a special address online from Vienna.

The final session examined the sector’s legal and regulatory framework, including compliance across the nuclear fuel cycle, the implications of the SHANTI Act for liability and private participation, and potential financing structures to support growth.

The conference brought together members of the strategic community, industry leaders, academics, and policymakers to discuss the connections among research, policy, technology, manufacturing, regulation, and finance.

According to DCIR, the discussions emphasized the need for coordinated progress across these areas to develop a safe, competitive, and self-reliant nuclear sector in India. Adjunct Faculty at IIT Madras and former CMD of BHAVINI, Dr. Kallol Roy, along with the staff of the Office of Global Engagement, IIT Madras, played a significant role in the success of the event. Their valuable support, guidance, and contributions were instrumental in making the event a success, added the statement.

DCIR Research Officer G. S. Simhanjana delivered the vote of thanks.

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