India has failed to meet its nuclear power generation targets, and cites the reasons for this as a lack of nuclear fuel available in the country, and delays in constructing and commissioning nuclear power plants, including first-of-a-kind plants and the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor.
Eight of India’s operating nuclear power plants are not under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards and can therefore use uranium sourced only within the county. The other 14 units operate under IAEA safeguards and can use imported uranium. The Indian government has taken several measures to secure fuel supplies for reactors in operation and under construction, concluding fuel supply contracts with several countries for existing and future reactors under IAEA Safeguards and by increasing the country’s own fuel supplies.
In February 2016 the government amended the Atomic Energy Act to allow National Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) to form joint ventures with other state-owned undertakings for nuclear power generation and possibly other aspects of the fuel cycle. The minister of state for the Department of Atomic Energy and the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh confirmed that NPCIL had formed joint ventures with National Thermal Power Corporation Limited, India’s largest power company, and Indian Oil Corporation Limited, and discussions on possible projects to be set up are in progress. An exploratory discussion was also held with Oil & Natural Gas Corporation, Singh added.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
