India

Small Modular Reactors: A Solution for India's Defence Power Needs

Experts at a recent policy dialogue highlighted the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs) to enhance energy security for India's defence manufacturing and data centres. With the country's energy transition facing challenges, nuclear energy is seen as vital. The discussion, led by prominent figures from various sectors, addressed the need for nuclear power in achieving India's strategic goals, particularly in the context of Viksit Bharat 2047. The panel emphasized the importance of addressing regulatory and safety concerns to facilitate SMR deployment.

MBN India Reporter

MBN India Reporter

Jun 2, 2026

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Small Modular Reactors: A Solution for India's Defence Power NeedsWire Service: IANS

Key Takeaways

  • SMRs can enhance India's defence manufacturing power supply
  • Nuclear energy is essential for India's energy transition
  • Regulatory concerns must be addressed for SMR adoption

Saw some news about experts discussing nuclear energy in India and tbh,it's a very serious topic . They are talking about something called small modular reactors,or SMRs,and how they can power our defence manufacturing.

Apparently big policy dialogue happened on June 2,2026 . It was organized by Chintan Research Foundation with Finovista. The main point from everyone was that without nuclear energy,India's whole energy transition plan will face big problems.

One expert,Professor R. Srikanth from National Institute of Advanced Studies,made it very clear . He said nuclear is essential for meeting the growing power demands from our critical sectors . And he's not wrong ah,defence needs constant power.

They also talked about how nuclear and renewable energy can work together . This is important because renewables like solar have that intermittency issue,meaning they don't work 24/7 . So this combination could be solution for rising power demand. It all ties into Viksit Bharat vision for 2047.

And honestly,this is where things get really ambitious.

The discussion framed India's target of 100 GW of nuclear capacity not as some dream,but as strategic requirement . That's a huge number and a very strong statement.

Few things standing out clearly from this meeting:

  • SMRs are being seen as key for power supply to defence and data centres.
  • The 100 GW nuclear goal is being called a strategic necessity .
  • Experts are warning that fuel security,safety,and waste management must be addressed .

But it's not all simple talk only . Shishir Priyadarshi from CRF warned that if cost and regulatory issues are not solved,the whole potential of SMRs could be wasted . Vimal Kumar from Finovista also said reliable power is the backbone for defence manufacturing stability.

The panel,headed by Dr. Debajit Palit,basically concluded that putting SMRs into India's energy plan is crucial for our energy resilience and supporting important infrastructure .

It's a lot to think about . ideas are good,and the need is definitely there for stable power,especially for something as critical as defence .

But the big questions about cost,safety,and waste are always there with nuclear energy . Will they actually figure out a scalable plan for these SMRs,or is this just another high-level discussion…

Wire Service: IANS
#Small Modular Reactors#Defence Manufacturing#Nuclear Energy#India#Viksit Bharat 2047#Renewable Energy#Energy Security#Chintan Research Foundation#Finovista#Professor R. Srikanth

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