NEW DELHI, October 20, 2026 : Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has reaffirmed that India’s nuclear programme is dedicated to peaceful purposes and national development, emphasising that nuclear energy will play an increasingly important role in meeting the country’s future electricity needs and supporting its expanding technology-driven economy.
In an exclusive interview with US-based news agency Bloomberg on the sidelines of the Bloomberg Economy Forum 2026, the minister highlighted the importance of nuclear power in strengthening India’s clean energy infrastructure, meeting the growing electricity requirements of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data centres, and advancing the country’s long-term development ambitions.
His remarks underline India’s approach of combining scientific advancement, energy security and responsible technological innovation as the country works towards its development goals for 2047.
INDIA’S NUCLEAR VISION ROOTED IN PEACEFUL DEVELOPMENT
Recalling the vision of Dr. Homi Bhabha, the architect of India’s nuclear programme, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the country had consistently pursued nuclear technology for peaceful applications.
He reiterated that nuclear energy remains an important component of India’s development strategy, with applications extending beyond electricity generation to broader scientific and technological progress.
As India expands its nuclear capabilities, the emphasis remains on using advanced technology to meet national requirements, strengthen infrastructure and support economic growth.
TARGET OF 100 GW NUCLEAR POWER CAPACITY BY 2047
The minister highlighted India’s ambition to achieve 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047, aligning the expansion of nuclear energy with the country’s long-term development objectives.
India is also committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070. Nuclear power is expected to complement renewable energy and other electricity sources by providing a dependable supply of low-carbon electricity.
Unlike solar and wind power, which depend on weather and natural conditions, nuclear power can provide continuous electricity generation. This characteristic makes it a potential contributor to a more reliable and diversified energy system.
Expanding nuclear capacity could therefore help India address rising electricity demand while advancing its clean energy ambitions.
AI AND DATA CENTRES TO DRIVE DEMAND FOR RELIABLE POWER
Dr. Jitendra Singh linked the future of nuclear energy to the rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence and data centres.
As AI applications become increasingly widespread, data centres require substantial and continuous electricity to operate computing systems, process information and support digital services.
The minister indicated that nuclear energy could supplement other power sources in meeting these growing requirements, helping provide the dependable electricity infrastructure needed for India’s technology-led economy.
Reliable energy supplies will be particularly important as businesses, research institutions and public services increasingly adopt AI-powered systems.
“ONE HAS TO BE INTELLIGENT ENOUGH TO USE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE”
Discussing the expanding role of AI, the minister said the technology should be viewed as a tool that can be applied across multiple sectors rather than as a separate domain.
From space research and life sciences to scientific discovery and technological innovation, AI is expected to become an increasingly important instrument.
However, Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed that its effective use requires human intelligence, judgement and responsibility.
“One has to be intelligent enough to use Artificial Intelligence,” he said, highlighting the importance of ensuring that technological capabilities are guided by sound decisions and appropriate human oversight.
RESPONSIBLE AI USE AND THE CHALLENGE OF MISUSE
The minister acknowledged that AI offers significant opportunities across sectors but said preventing its misuse remains a major challenge.
He emphasised that although regulatory frameworks are important, integrity at both the individual and national levels is essential to ensuring responsible use of emerging technologies.
The objective, he indicated, should be to maximise AI’s benefits while reducing the risks associated with irresponsible applications.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with encouraging efforts towards the responsible adoption of advanced technologies in India.
PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN STRATEGIC SECTORS
The minister also referred to the opening of critical and sensitive sectors to non-government players under the Modi government.
He said greater private-sector participation had created additional opportunities for industry to contribute to innovation, technological advancement and national development in areas that had traditionally been more restricted.
Wider collaboration between government institutions, research organisations and private companies can support the development of new technologies, expand industrial capabilities and strengthen India’s scientific ecosystem.
ENERGY SECURITY AND TECHNOLOGICAL GROWTH GO HAND IN HAND
Dr. Jitendra Singh’s remarks brought together two major priorities in India’s development strategy: expanding nuclear energy as a reliable source of low-carbon electricity and encouraging the responsible use of AI and other emerging technologies.
As electricity demand rises alongside industrial growth, digital infrastructure and scientific research, reliable energy supplies will be crucial to sustaining economic progress.
India’s nuclear power ambitions, AI adoption and greater participation in strategic sectors are therefore closely linked to its broader objectives of technological self-reliance, energy security and sustainable development.
With a target of 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 and a Net Zero commitment for 2070, India is positioning nuclear energy as an important part of its long-term clean energy strategy. The challenge ahead will be to translate these ambitions into practical capacity expansion while maintaining safety, reliability and responsible technological governance.
