New Delhi, October 20: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has reiterated that India’s nuclear programme is dedicated to peaceful applications and national development, rather than warfare, reaffirming the principles that have guided the country’s nuclear journey since its inception.
In an interview with US-based Bloomberg on the sidelines of the Bloomberg Economy Forum 2026, Singh said nuclear energy would become increasingly important in meeting India’s future electricity requirements, particularly as demand rises from artificial intelligence (AI), data centres and other technology-driven industries.
Recalling the vision of Dr Homi Bhabha, the architect of India’s nuclear programme, the minister said the country had consistently pursued nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. He added that this commitment would remain central as India expands its energy capabilities to support economic growth and technological advancement.
Singh said nuclear power must be viewed in the context of India’s long-term development priorities and clean energy commitments. With the country targeting 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070, nuclear energy is expected to complement other power sources by providing a reliable and continuous supply of electricity.
Nuclear Power to Support AI and Data Centres
Highlighting the growing energy requirements of emerging technologies, Singh said the expansion of AI and data centres would require dependable electricity supplies capable of meeting substantial and uninterrupted demand.
He said nuclear energy could supplement India’s existing energy sources and help support an increasingly technology-driven economy.
On the role of artificial intelligence, the minister described AI as a tool that could be applied across multiple sectors, including space research, life sciences and scientific innovation.
Emphasising the importance of human judgement in using the technology, he said, “One has to be intelligent enough to use Artificial Intelligence.”
Singh also highlighted the challenges associated with ensuring that AI is used responsibly. While regulatory frameworks are important, he said individual integrity and national responsibility are essential to preventing misuse.
He added that India had taken significant steps towards responsible AI adoption under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Private Sector Participation in Strategic Sectors
The minister also referred to the government’s efforts to expand private-sector participation in critical and sensitive areas that were traditionally more restricted.
According to Singh, opening these sectors to non-government players has created additional opportunities for industry to contribute to innovation, technological development and national progress.
He said reliable energy infrastructure, responsible use of emerging technologies and wider participation in strategic sectors would be important to achieving India’s long-term economic and developmental goals.
Singh’s remarks highlighted the government’s emphasis on expanding peaceful nuclear energy applications while harnessing technologies such as AI to meet the country’s growing energy needs and support its development ambitions for 2047.
