India’s journey into the nuclear race is a unique chapter in modern geopolitics. India’s desire for scientifically independent developments caused the country’s “nuclear quest” to grow along two parallel lines: the use of nuclear energy for the economic development and growth of a large population, and creating a strong nuclear deterrent to guarantee the independence of the country. Illustration by The Geostrata As the world addresses the climate change emergency and is deali

India’s nuclear trajectory is marked by scientific ambitions, technological self-reliance and isolation from international politics. The nuclear sector was mainly governed by the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, which was a highly centralised and state controlled framework, prioritising safety and sovereignty. Later legislations, like Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 addressed accountability and victim compensation for nuclear incidents.