Union Minister Jitendra Singh reiterated that India's nuclear activities are intended for civilian and development-related uses, not for warfare. He described that peaceful focus as a longstanding principle.
Speaking during the Bloomberg Economy Forum 2026, Singh discussed nuclear electricity as a possible contributor to future power demand, particularly as AI systems and data centres require reliable supplies.
Referring to nuclear scientist Homi Bhabha, the minister said India's approach has historically emphasized peaceful applications of atomic energy. He described the same principle as guiding future expansion of the country's capabilities.
Singh said India's nuclear ambitions must be assessed alongside its clean-energy and long-term development plans. The government aims for 100 gigawatts of nuclear generating capacity by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070. Nuclear power could provide consistent electricity alongside other sources.
Large data centres and expanding AI infrastructure need power that is available continuously, the minister noted. He argued that nuclear generation could support these demands while complementing India's broader energy initiatives.
On artificial intelligence, Singh described AI as a tool useful in many domains, including space research, life sciences and scientific work. He stressed that sound human judgment remains essential when deciding how such systems should be used.
The minister pointed to the challenge of securing AI's benefits without enabling misuse. He said formal rules must be supported by personal responsibility and integrity, and referred to measures taken by the government to encourage responsible application.
Singh also referred to increased opportunities for private companies in areas previously subject to more limited participation. He linked those changes to innovation, industrial capability and economic development.
The minister connected India's 2047 development ambitions and 2070 net-zero goal with the need for dependable energy infrastructure. In his account, clean power and careful use of emerging technology are both important to national progress.