India’s nuclear capabilities serve two distinct but interconnected purposes: peaceful energy generation and strategic defense deterrence. In times of peace, nuclear energy in India powers homes, industries, and dreams of a sustainable future. But what happens when the drums of war sound? As a nation of 1.4 billion with a rapidly growing economy, India faces the daunting task of ensuring energy security during crises.

While nuclear energy in India is rapidly expanding to meet the country’s growing power needs and climate goals, India’s nuclear arsenal and infrastructure also play a critical role in national security, especially in the event of a war.

With electricity demand rising 6–8% annually and geopolitical tensions a constant reality, nuclear power plants in India offer a resilient, reliable lifeline. India’s Nuclear Energy Mission, aiming for 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2047, isn’t just about clean energy—it’s about fortifying the nation against disruptions, including war.

This article explores how India’s nuclear power—both civilian nuclear energy and strategic nuclear weapons—functions in times of conflict, emphasizing the dual-use nature of nuclear technology and its implications for India’s defense and energy security.

The Strategic Importance of Nuclear Energy in India

Energy is the backbone of any nation, especially during war. Tanks need fuel, hospitals need electricity, and communication networks need power to function. India’s reliance on coal (70% of electricity) and imported fuels makes it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions during conflicts. A war could choke oil imports or cripple coal logistics, paralyzing the economy and defense operations. This is where nuclear energy in India shines. Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear power plants in India rely on domestically controlled uranium and thorium, offering energy independence and resilience.

As of 2025, India operates 25 nuclear power plants in India, generating 8,880 megawatts (MW) and contributing 56 billion units of electricity annually, about 4% of the nation’s total power. Some of the main nuclear power plant in India are the following:
 

• Tarapur Atomic Power Station (Maharashtra)
• Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (Gujarat)
• Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (Tamil Nadu)
• Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (Rajasthan)
• Kaiga Generating Station (Karnataka)
• Madras Atomic Power Station (Tamil Nadu)

While this seems modest, nuclear power’s ability to provide stable, round-the-clock electricity makes it invaluable in wartime. It can be said that, nuclear energy in India is like a fortress in a storm—unshaken by external pressures, it ensures the nation keeps running when chaos strikes.

Nuclear Power in Wartime: A Reliable Lifeline

In a war scenario, energy priorities shift. Military bases, defense manufacturing, hospitals, and command centers demand uninterrupted power. Nuclear power plants in India are uniquely suited for this. Unlike solar or wind, which falter without sun or breeze, nuclear reactors deliver consistent baseload power. For instance, a single 700 MW reactor, like those at Kakrapar or Rajasthan, can power entire military installations or critical infrastructure, ensuring radar systems, missile defenses, and communication networks stay online.

Nuclear plants are also less vulnerable to sabotage than sprawling coal or gas facilities. Their compact design and stringent security—overseen by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)—make them fortified assets. During a conflict, India could prioritize nuclear output for strategic needs, redirecting power to defense hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru. My view is that this reliability gives India a strategic edge, allowing it to maintain operational continuity when adversaries might target energy infrastructure.

The Nuclear Energy Mission: Building Wartime Resilience

India’s Nuclear Energy Mission, aiming for 100 GW by 2047, is a long-term strategy with wartime implications. By 2031–32, the government plans to scale capacity to 22,480 MW through 18 reactors—eight under construction and ten in pre-project stages. This expansion strengthens India’s energy security, reducing dependence on volatile global fuel markets. In a war, where oil imports could be blockaded, this self-reliance is critical.

The mission also diversifies India’s nuclear capabilities. The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), a 500 MW project by BHAVINI, reached core loading in 2024, advancing India’s thorium-based fuel cycle. Thorium, abundant in India, reduces reliance on imported uranium, ensuring fuel security during conflicts. Imagine a scenario where global trade halts—India’s thorium reserves could keep nuclear power plants in India running, powering essential services while adversaries scramble for fuel.

Innovations for Crisis Readiness

India’s nuclear roadmap includes innovations that enhance wartime preparedness. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are a standout. These compact reactors, backed by ₹20,000 crore in R&D funding from the 2025–26 Union Budget, can be deployed in remote or strategic locations by 2033 [12]. In a war, SMRs could power forward operating bases or border regions, where traditional grids might fail. Their modular design allows rapid setup, making them ideal for crisis response.

The Bharat Small Reactor (BSR), a 220 MW PHWR, is another asset. Designed for captive power near industrial or military hubs, BSRs require minimal land and water, with private sector contributions easing deployment. In a conflict, BSRs could support defense manufacturing clusters, ensuring tanks, jets, and munitions keep rolling off production lines. As someone who sees energy as a force multiplier, I believe these innovations position India to maintain industrial and military momentum under duress.

International partnerships, like the 2005 US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, ensure uranium access, while collaborations with France bolster reactor technology. These ties secure fuel and expertise, critical for sustaining nuclear energy in India during prolonged conflicts.

Policy and Security: Fortifying the Framework

To leverage nuclear energy in India in wartime, policy reforms are key. Proposed amendments to the Atomic Energy Act (1962) allow private sector participation, with foreign companies permitted up to 49% stakes in nuclear projects. This could attract investment to scale nuclear power plants in India, ensuring capacity for both peace and war. The NPCIL-NTPC joint venture, ASHVINI, exemplifies this, with private firms providing resources while NPCIL ensures technical and security standards.

Security is paramount. India’s nuclear facilities are protected by layered defenses, including physical barriers, cybersecurity, and AERB oversight. Post-Fukushima upgrades have made nuclear power plants in India among the safest globally, with radiation levels below international benchmarks. In a war, these fortifications reduce the risk of attacks or accidents, ensuring continuous operation.

Public perception, however, is a challenge. Fears about nuclear risks could complicate wartime reliance on nuclear energy in India. Transparent communication—highlighting safety records and wartime benefits—can build trust. For example, showcasing how nuclear power kept hospitals running during crises could shift narratives.

Economic and Strategic Benefits in Conflict

In wartime, nuclear energy in India supports both defense and economy. Nuclear power can sustain critical industries like steel and munitions, preserving jobs and supply chains. A single reactor’s output could power factories producing drones or medical supplies, maintaining economic stability. Unlike coal plants, which rely on extensive logistics vulnerable to disruption, nuclear plants are self-contained, reducing exposure to supply chain attacks.

Strategically, nuclear power enhances India’s deterrence. Reliable energy ensures defense systems—like missile shields or cyberwarfare units—stay operational. It also signals resilience to adversaries, showing India can withstand energy sieges. From my perspective, this makes nuclear power plants in India a silent force in national security, underpinning both military might and civilian morale.

Challenges and Security Measures

Despite the robustness of India’s nuclear infrastructure, wartime scenarios pose unique challenges:

• Physical Security: Nuclear power plants and strategic nuclear assets require protection against sabotage, cyber-attacks, and missile strikes. India has implemented multi-layered security protocols, including armed forces deployment, surveillance, and physical barriers.

• Radiological Safety: Ensuring that nuclear plants remain safe under conflict conditions is critical to prevent radiological disasters. India’s reactors operate with international safety standards and continuous monitoring to mitigate such risks.

• Command and Control: Maintaining secure and reliable command over nuclear weapons during war is vital to prevent accidental launches or unauthorized use. India’s nuclear command authority oversees strict protocols and communication security.

Conclusion: A Dual-Edged Sword for India’s Security

India’s nuclear power infrastructure and strategic nuclear forces together form a dual-edged sword that underpins the country’s security in peacetime and wartime alike. On one hand, nuclear energy in India is a cornerstone of the nation’s clean energy transition and economic development, providing stable and carbon-free power. On the other, India’s nuclear deterrent ensures strategic stability and national defense against existential threats.

In times of war, the resilience of nuclear power plants in India ensures energy security for critical infrastructure, while the nuclear arsenal serves as a powerful deterrent that preserves peace through strength. India’s continued investment in advanced nuclear technologies, safety protocols, and strategic capabilities will be crucial to maintaining this balance in the decades ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What role does nuclear energy play in India’s defense during war?

A1: Nuclear energy ensures stable power supply for critical infrastructure and supports strategic deterrence through India’s nuclear arsenal.

Q2: How secure are nuclear power plants in India during conflict?

A2: India’s nuclear power plants are protected by multi-layered security protocols designed to withstand physical and cyber threats during wartime.

Q3: Does India use nuclear power plants for military purposes?

A3: Civilian nuclear power plants generate electricity, while military nuclear facilities are separate; however, dual-use technologies support both sectors indirectly.

Q4: What is India’s nuclear doctrine in case of war?

A4: India follows a credible minimum deterrence policy with a no-first-use doctrine, maintaining a survivable nuclear triad for second-strike capability.

Q5: How does nuclear energy contribute to India’s energy security in wartime?

A5: Nuclear power provides reliable, carbon-free baseload electricity that is less vulnerable to supply disruptions, crucial during conflict.