India Engages in Ongoing Talks with Russia on Nuclear Energy Cooperation, Parliament Informed

New Delhi: The central government has informed Parliament that regular discussions are underway between India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Russia’s ROSATOM to strengthen collaboration in the nuclear energy sector. These talks cover both large-scale nuclear power plants and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). However, no concrete details have been finalized yet. The information was shared by Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in the Lok Sabha on February 4, 2026.

Dr. Singh emphasized that safety remains the top priority at every stage of nuclear power plant projects. All plants are constructed strictly according to the stage-wise approvals of the Nuclear Power Plant Regulatory Authority, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

Regarding stakeholder consultations, the Minister explained that formal consultations are conducted as part of public hearings for the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) report under the RFCTLARR Act and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report required for environmental clearances from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). Additionally, extensive public awareness programs are run to reach various stakeholders. All safety, environmental, and other conditions or recommendations provided by different agencies are meticulously implemented.

As a standard policy, the DAE’s public sector unit, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), provides special provisions for age and marks relaxation to people affected by projects. Preference is also given to qualified local youth in project-related contracts. Under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, NPCIL supports local talented students through skill development programs, scholarships, and sponsorships for higher education.

Dr. Singh noted that the government is taking multiple measures around existing operational sites as well as new sites where projects are under development or in pre-project stages. To ensure inclusive development, NPCIL has implemented several welfare initiatives benefiting local communities, primarily focusing on education, skill development, healthcare, infrastructure, and sanitation.