Day 2 of BIMSTEC Conclave focuses on maritime cooperation, tourism potential and port reforms
Subject experts moderated the sessions, offering insights into key regional challenges, while eminent speakers shared practical perspectives and solutions. The day opened with a session on boosting intra-regional trade—currently at just 7%—through streamlined customs, removal of regulatory hurdles, and improved logistics to ensure seamless cargo movement and port operations. A dedicated panel explored the vast potential for cruise tourism, focusing on collaborative promotion of cruise circuits, eco-tourism, and heritage-based coastal tourism, drawing on the region's rich biodiversity and cultural legacy. Another session outlined strategic roadmaps for BIMSTEC port collaboration, emphasizing sustainable development, innovation, and global best practices. The final technical session stressed the need to upskill the maritime workforce through public-private partnerships in maritime education, shipbuilding, and port management to build a competitive talent base. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal visited Hindustan Shipyard in the morning and later reviewed key issues at the Dredging Corporation of India. Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) Chairperson M. Angamuthu also participated in the conclave.
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Atomic Ambitions: Geopolitical Impact Of India's Nuclear Energy Reforms
India's move to open up nuclear power sector to private companies represents a notable shift in its energy strategy and a potential opportunity for private players Embracing adaptability in policymaking is crucial for navigating the complexities of a constantly changing world and ensuring that policies remain relevant, effective, and responsive to the needs of society. India is taking steps to open its nuclear power sector to private companies—a significant shift from its historically state-controlled approach. While the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 had restricted nuclear power generation to government-owned entities, recent policy changes and budget announcements indicate a push toward private sector involvement and global outreach. 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Many countries allow private sector participation in nuclear power generation, though the extent of this involvement varies significantly. The United States is a prime example, with large private sector participation in its civil nuclear industry. Some countries like Finland and the UK have also seen varying degrees of privatization in their nuclear sectors. Others, like China, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates, are also exploring or implementing public-private partnerships for nuclear power projects. Thus, it is a positive development that India is also taking the necessary steps to gradually open up to private investment in nuclear power by announcing plans to invite private companies to invest in nuclear electricity projects. Currently, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) is the sole operator of nuclear power plants in India. The Atomic Energy Act of 1962 prohibits private sector control of nuclear power generation. 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India's nuclear energy ambitions could have broader geopolitical implications, particularly in its relationship with countries like the US. The US has expressed intentions to remove barriers to civil nuclear cooperation with India, recognizing its potential for growth in the sector. In March 2025, the US Department of Energy approved the proposal from Holtec International to share Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology with India, removing a key hurdle that had delayed the deal. French and US companies have also expressed interest in partnering with Indian companies on SMR projects. The Russian nuclear company Rosatom has also offered its expertise in building SMRs in India. India has signed agreements with many countries for collaboration on nuclear energy, including the development of advanced reactors. Russia continues to be a key partner, involved in projects like Kudankulam and exploring areas like floating nuclear power plants and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). 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With South Korea, India has signed an intergovernmental agreement for civil nuclear cooperation, potentially opening avenues for South Korean companies to participate. top videos View all Summing up, the Indian government's move to open up the nuclear power sector to private companies represents a notable shift in its energy strategy and a potential opportunity for private players to contribute to the nation's nuclear power growth. This policy shift, alongside legislative amendments, aims to boost nuclear power generation and facilitate private sector participation, including international collaborations. The move is expected to attract foreign capital and technology, potentially transforming India's nuclear energy landscape. Addressing public concerns about nuclear safety and waste management is essential. While challenges remain, the government is taking the right steps to address concerns about liability, safety, and regulations to attract private investment and achieve its ambitious nuclear energy goals. Adapting to changing needs is indeed a cornerstone of effective policymaking. The writer is a retired Indian diplomat and had previously served as Consul General in New York. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 28, 2025, 13:58 IST News opinion Opinion | Atomic Ambitions: Geopolitical Impact Of India's Nuclear Energy Reforms Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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