The statement came in response to a social media post by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who highlighted his meeting with an executive delegation from the Nuclear Energy Institute and the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum under the “US Nuclear Executive Mission to India.”
The discussions are taking place against the backdrop of renewed momentum in civil nuclear engagement, with the Maharashtra government signing memorandums of understanding with four corporate groups to develop nuclear power projects totaling 25,400 megawatts of capacity. Valued at approximately 6.5 lakh crore rupees, the proposed projects aim to significantly expand India’s atomic energy output and contribute to the country’s net-zero emission objectives. The state administration has stated its readiness to lead India’s nuclear energy transition while inviting American firms to participate in large-scale investments.
Big things ahead in India-US collaboration on Nuclear energy! https://t.co/mCj9MbErAj
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) May 20, 2026
A senior United States delegation currently visiting India includes representatives from across the nuclear energy value chain. The group held high-level meetings with Manohar Lal Khattar and Nirmala Sitharaman, focusing on regulatory frameworks, investment opportunities, and potential joint ventures.
According to Nolty Theriot, the engagements were productive and aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. He noted that the delegation included leading United States nuclear companies spanning reactor design and the broader nuclear supply chain. He emphasized that the United States offers advanced technological capabilities while India contributes a highly skilled workforce and efficient engineering, procurement, and construction expertise, making the collaboration mutually beneficial.
The delegation also highlighted the impact of recent legislative developments in the United States, particularly the SHANTI Act, 2025, which has opened new avenues for cooperation in the commercial nuclear sector. Speaking on the matter, Maria Korsnick stated that the Act has enabled stronger engagement between United States and Indian nuclear industries and created opportunities for reactor development partnerships in India.
She underscored that nuclear innovation in the United States now spans large reactors, medium reactors, small modular reactors, high-temperature gas reactors, and molten salt reactors. According to her, India retains flexibility in selecting technologies suited to its energy goals, enabling wide-ranging collaboration between the two countries.
Korsnick also recalled that earlier efforts in 2006 to deepen nuclear cooperation did not progress due to differences in nuclear liability frameworks. She noted that subsequent reforms, including the SHANTI Act and broader industry evolution over the past two decades, have helped address earlier constraints and expanded the scope for cooperation in advanced nuclear technologies.
The current engagement marks a renewed phase in India–US civil nuclear relations, with both sides signaling strong intent to translate strategic dialogue into large-scale commercial partnerships.
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