New Delhi, Oct. 1 -- Nuclear power has emerged as a key component of the ongoing India-US bilateral trade negotiations. India needs global partnerships, including with US companies, as the country looks to increase its nuclear power capacity and develop small modular reactors (SMRs).

As SMRs are not commercially viable, Indian energy companies, both public and private, are in talks with US and global companies such as Westinghouse Electric Co. for partnerships and technology transfer.

Mint looks at how nuclear energy can play a key role in the bilateral trade talks.

India plans to expand its nuclear power generation capacity from the current 8.8GW to 22GW in 2032 and 100GW in 2047. Along with conventional nuclear power plants, India is...