India has proposed a tightly supervised approval framework for private nuclear power generation, setting out how domestic and foreign investors could enter a sector long controlled by the state while New Delhi retains authority over licensing, strategic nuclear materials and operations. Under draft rules issued for public consultation, companies could first obtain in-principle approval to engage vendors, carry out preliminary development work and secure land before applying for a formal licence, after which projects would face stage-by-stage scrutiny across design, siting, construction, commissioning and operation, with regulators able to halt work at key points. The move follows legislative changes that opened the door to private companies building and operating nuclear projects and comes as India pursues both a ₹1.275 trillion, or about $13.23 billion, Semicon 2.0 semiconductor push and a major nuclear buildout, targeting 22.5 GW of nuclear capacity by 2031-32 and 100 GW by 2047. The draft also allows reactor designs with established overseas operating records, requires developers to provide licensing and operating experience from home markets, and maintains financial security requirements for nuclear liability, decommissioning and waste management.