India has been involved in nuclear energy and power for decades, but now the country is turning to small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) as part of a new, long-term push towards nuclear and renewable energy. In December 2025 the country’s parliament passed a bill that allows private companies for the first time to participate in India’s nuclear programme, which could see them involved in generating power, operating plants and making equipment. Some commentators are unconvinced that the move will be enough to help meet India’s climate pledge to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil-fuel based energy generation by 2030. Interestingly, however, India has now joined other nations, such as Russia and China, in taking an interest in SMRs. They could help stem the overall decline in nuclear power, which now accounts for just 9% of electricity generated around the world – down from 17.5% in 1996.…