New Delhi: Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Friday highlighted the significance of the recently passed Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill in powering India’s ambitions in AI and data centre infrastructure. He said nuclear energy will be central to meeting the massive, round-the-clock power needs of AI data centres and supporting India’s transformation into an AI-driven industrial economy.

Nuclear Power for AI and Data Centres

Vaishnaw explained that AI adoption requires extensive data centre infrastructure, which consumes high amounts of energy and water for cooling.

• Nuclear energy can provide a stable, carbon-free base load, ideal for 24/7 operation of energy-intensive AI data centres.
• The SHANTI Bill enables the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (15–30 MW), which can be set up in compact, container-sized units, even in remote areas like Ladakh.
• Continuous improvements in nuclear safety standards make these reactors a viable option for powering critical digital infrastructure.

India’s AI Ecosystem and Investment

Vaishnaw outlined India’s AI ecosystem as comprising three layers:

1. Application Layer – AI apps and software.
2. Models Layer – Large and small language models (LLMs, SLMs) and focused AI models.
3. Infrastructure Layer – Chips and data centres.

He emphasized India’s growing investment in AI and data infrastructure:

• $70 billion committed in India so far for AI and data centre projects.
• Global projects like Stargate (OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle) plan $500 billion in AI infrastructure globally.
• Major tech firms are expanding AI operations in India:
  • Microsoft, Amazon – large-scale cloud and AI infrastructure.
  • Google – largest AI data centre campus in Visakhapatnam through a $15 billion investment with AdaniConneX.

National Data Centre Policy Framework

Vaishnaw also highlighted the draft national data centre policy, which focuses on:

• Single-window clearances and streamlined approvals for setting up data centres.
• Ensuring reliable power supply, promoting renewable energy, and water-efficient cooling.
• Classifying data centres as essential services, creating data centre parks, and promoting skill development in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

Semiconductor Mission

India’s semiconductor ambitions are progressing rapidly under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM):

• 10 units approved, with Kaynes, Micron, Tata, and CG Semi expected to start commercial production in 2026.
• The Assam unit will begin pilot production mid-year, and full production by year-end.
• Vaishnaw said India will soon become a major global player in semiconductor technology, projecting top-four status by 2032 and among the best by 2035.
• Chips produced will cater to sectors including telecom, power, EV, and automotive.

Minister’s Takeaway

Vaishnaw concluded that nuclear power, AI infrastructure, and semiconductor production are interlinked pillars of India’s technology-driven industrial growth. The SHANTI Bill positions India to meet the energy-intensive demands of AI data centres, ensuring the country remains competitive in global AI and digital infrastructure.

This move signals India’s ambitious plan to become a global hub for AI, semiconductors, and digital infrastructure, powered by clean and reliable nuclear energy.