Modernizing India’s Nuclear Regulatory Architecture: An Analysis of the Draft SHANTI Rules 2026

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has initiated a public consultation process for the 'Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Rules, 2026.' This legislative move marks a significant shift in India’s approach to nuclear governance, transitioning from legacy frameworks toward a more robust, modern, and transparent regulatory regime. As India aims to scale up its nuclear power capacity to meet its Net Zero 2070 commitments, the SHANTI Rules are designed to address the complexities of contemporary nuclear technology, including advanced reactor safety, stringent radiation protection standards, and the long-term management of radioactive waste. The draft rules emphasize a lifecycle approach to nuclear energy, ensuring that safety protocols are integrated from the design phase through to decommissioning. By placing these rules in the public domain, the government is fostering a participatory governance model, inviting stakeholders—including environmental experts, industry leaders, and civil society—to contribute to the safety and sustainability standards of the nation's nuclear infrastructure. This is particularly critical as India moves toward indigenizing advanced reactor technologies and expanding its nuclear footprint to ensure energy security.