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India and the US reviewed recent developments in civil nuclear cooperation during talks in Washington. The meeting underlined growing interest in nuclear partnerships as India opens the sector and ATLAS advances maritime reactor discussions.
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Washington,UPDATED: Aug 26, 2026 19:42 IST
Top officials from India and the US on Wednesday discussed recent developments in bilateral civil nuclear cooperation and ways to strengthen ties in the sector. The talks took place in Washington ahead of the ministerial launch of the Atomic Energy Agency's Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea, or ATLAS, initiative.
Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty held discussions with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright during his visit to the US. Mohanty, who is also Secretary in the Department of Atomic Energy, is in the country for the launch of the IAEA initiative that will explore the use of small modular reactors to power civilian ships.
In a post on X, the Department of Atomic Energy said, "The discussions focused on the ongoing developments in bilateral civil nuclear space and policy measures to further strengthen India-US Civil Nuclear Cooperation for mutual benefit of both the sides."
The meeting comes at a time when India is opening its civil nuclear energy sector to private players as it aims to build 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. Several US firms in the nuclear energy sector have shown interest in the Indian market and are exploring investment and partnership opportunities.
According to the IAEA, the ATLAS initiative will support the maritime industry's exploration of small modular reactors to power civilian ships and provide offshore energy, as operators consider alternative fuels and seek to strengthen long-term energy security. The agency said the launch event is expected to build momentum and visibility for the initiative by securing high-level political support and encouraging engagement across the nuclear and maritime sectors.
The discussions around the initiative are expected to lead to a shared understanding of priority actions on legal and regulatory frameworks, safety, security, safeguards and liability, while strengthening cooperation between the nuclear and maritime sectors. The event is also expected to improve alignment between stakeholders by identifying key challenges, gaps and areas that require harmonisation, helping shape a clear and broadly supported roadmap for ATLAS.
The India-US talks, held on the sidelines of the ATLAS launch, focused on expanding civil nuclear cooperation even as the wider initiative looks at the possible use of small modular reactors in the maritime sector.
With PTI Inputs
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Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Aug 26, 2026 19:42 IST
