Civil Nuclear Cooperation
India-Israel Dimension
India and Israel do not have a formal civil nuclear cooperation agreement prior to 2026, but both have expressed interest in cooperation in nuclear energy for civilian use. Israel itself does not publicly acknowledge a nuclear weapons program (operating under a policy of "nuclear ambiguity"), but has advanced nuclear technology capabilities. India's interest is in Israel's expertise in nuclear reactor instrumentation, safety systems, and related technologies.
More broadly, India is pursuing an ambitious civil nuclear energy expansion. Nuclear power is identified as a key component of India's clean energy transition, with a target of 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047 under the "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) vision.
- India's Atomic Energy Act, 1962: governs all nuclear activities; amended most recently in 2015 to allow private sector participation in nuclear energy in joint ventures with NPCIL.
- India's Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010: imposes strict liability on the operator (NPCIL) and gives the operator recourse against suppliers for design defects — a provision that has complicated foreign nuclear deals (especially with the US under the 123 Agreement).
- India's nuclear capacity expansion plan: 22 operational reactors (~6,780 MW); 8 under construction; target 100 GW by 2047.
- India signed the India-US 123 Agreement in 2008, enabling civil nuclear commerce with NSG member states.
- Israel not a signatory to the NPT; India not a signatory to the NPT — this places them in a similar "outside NPT" status, though their nuclear postures differ fundamentally.
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): a rapidly advancing technology that both countries are exploring; India's NPCIL has been researching SMR designs.
● Tracked since February 26, 2026 · last seen June 13, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes