New Delhi, May 21 -- In a significant policy shift, India is set to open its nuclear energy sector to foreign direct investment (FDI), potentially allowing up to 49 per cent foreign ownership in phases.

The move aims to boost nuclear power generation from the current 8 GW to 40 GW by 2035 and 100 GW by 2047, as part of India's clean energy transition.

Currently, the nuclear sector is on the FDI negative list and fully controlled by the government. The proposed liberalisation will begin with a 26 per cent FDI cap, with scope to increase to 49 per cent after review. Indian entities will be required to hold majority ownership in all joint ventures.

"We are open to allowing foreign investment... We can even go up to 49 per cent, but in tra...