India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday, February 11, emphasised that nuclear power will be a key topic in upcoming energy discussions, especially in the context of India’s energy future.
Despite India having signed a civilian nuclear deal with the US, the commercialisation of nuclear power has not progressed as expected, Puri explained while speaking at the inaugural session of the ongoing India Energy Week in New Delhi. The third edition of the government’s flagship energy programme started on February 11 and will concluded on February 14, drawing hundreds of energy experts, ministers, and speakers from across the globe.
Puri also highlighted that this topic is likely to be discussed when Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets US President Donald Trump later this week, with energy being one of the key issues on the agenda.
Puri had previously mentioned during a press conference for India Energy Week (IEW) 2025 that he would be surprised if energy sourcing from the US wasn’t part of the conversation between Modi and Trump. He also pointed out that Trump’s goal of lowering global energy prices and increasing energy availability would be beneficial for countries like India.
#IEW2025 | At the inauguration of #IndiaEnergyWeek2025, the first mega event of the global energy calendar & the world’s second largest premier energy event at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi.@IndiaEnergyWeek #IndiaEnergyWeek https://t.co/IjBIZdi7P9
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) February 11, 2025
Speaking at a panel discussion during IEW 2025, Puri stated, “Nuclear (power) provides an efficient cost-effective thing but you have to go to a particular route and I’m sure that this is going to be a discussion point in major wherever such discussions take place. I see that happening.”
He went on to mention that, although India signed a civilian nuclear deal with the US and an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), commercial contracts have not been signed yet. However, India is now exploring the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs) for future nuclear power expansion.
In this year’s Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an INR 20,000 crore (USD 2.31 billion) initiative to develop nuclear energy, aiming for 100GW of nuclear power by 2047.
This includes plans to set up a Nuclear Energy Mission to research and develop SMRs. The goal is to have at least five indigenously developed SMRs operational by 2033.
Puri also shared his personal connection with the Trump administration, recalling his time as India’s permanent representative to the UN when he had the privilege of meeting Trump even before he became president. He fondly remembered his time living in Trump Tower and engaging with the President during his official visits.
He further highlighted that India’s economic growth is deeply connected to global energy markets, with 50 percent of the country’s GDP being dependent on external factors.
The minister also noted that Trump’s administration’s focus on increasing energy availability is welcome news for India, as more energy in the market could lead to lower prices — a positive development for a country that is both a major consumer and producer of energy.
Puri added that energy poverty remains a significant challenge worldwide. He pointed out that over 1.18 billion people globally lack access to energy, 750 million don’t have electricity, and 2 billion people lack access to clean cooking solutions. He expressed confidence that this issue could be resolved quickly with the right policies and innovations.
