Jairam Ramesh Questions Government on 2008 Indo-US Nuclear Deal During SHANTI Bill Debate

New Delhi: During the Rajya Sabha discussion on the Nuclear Energy Transformation Bill 2025 (SHANTI Bill 2025), Congress MP Jairam Ramesh sharply questioned the government regarding its stance on nuclear energy, highlighting the opposition BJP’s objections to the 2008 Indo-US nuclear deal.

BJP’s 2008 Opposition Highlighted

Ramesh pointed out that BJP had strongly opposed the nuclear agreement with the US, claiming that nuclear energy had “no future.” He remarked, “It was the same deal that opened multiple strategic and technological pathways between India and the United States. The current SHANTI Bill 2025 is a direct outcome of the foundations laid by that agreement.”

Congress’s Role in Advancing Nuclear and Space Programs

Ramesh also emphasized Congress’s contributions during its 20-year governance period. He argued that while BJP often claims that significant progress in space and nuclear programs happened post-2014, substantial groundwork was laid under Congress. He added, “Even Atal Bihari Vajpayee acknowledged the importance of Congress’s nuclear initiatives. The current government could learn from those efforts.”

Concerns Over Privatization and Foreign Participation

Criticizing the newly introduced SHANTI Bill 2025, Ramesh stated that it proposes amendments to existing laws, including the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010. He raised concerns that the bill could allow private and foreign companies to enter the nuclear sector, potentially compromising public safety and national sovereignty, while prioritizing corporate interests.

Ramesh concluded by urging the government to ensure that national security and public interest are not undermined in the process of reforming nuclear legislation.