India releases SHANTI Act draft rules

The India — Department of Atomic Energy released draft rules for the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy (SHANTI) Act, 2025, on August 15, 2026. The rules mandate nuclear plant operators to maintain insurance or financial security for nuclear damage, with the requirement remaining until spent fuel removal. They also require foreign reactor designs to be certified by the regulatory body of the country of origin, defined as countries self-reliant in nuclear reactor design and supply chain. The licensing authority may grant in-principle approval before site or technology selection, and a single composite license will cover construction, ownership, operation, and decommissioning. The rules also provide for a five-yearly review of operator civil liability limits.