'Modi bulldozed SHANTI Bill to restore peace with Trump': Congress
What's the story
The Congress party has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government of hastily passing the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged that the bill was pushed through Parliament to appease the interests of the United States, particularly after US President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. The NDAA mentions joint assessments between India and the US on nuclear liability rules.
Bill controversy
Ramesh claims NDAA reveals true motive behind SHANTI Bill
Ramesh claimed that the NDAA exposes the real reason behind the "bulldozing" of the SHANTI Bill. He pointed out a section in the 3,000-page US legislation that talks about consultations with India on aligning nuclear liability norms. "Now we know for sure why the Prime Minister bulldozed the SHANTI Bill through Parliament earlier this week that, among other things, did away with key provisions of Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010," he said.
Twitter Post
Jairam Ramesh's statement on X
President Trump has just signed the National Defence Authorization Act for the US Fiscal Year 2026.
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) December 20, 2025
The Act is 3100 pages long. Page 1912 has a reference to the joint assessment between the United States and India on Nuclear Liability Rules.
Now we know for sure why the Prime… pic.twitter.com/bGdAOXh9pA
Framework changes
SHANTI Bill's impact on India's nuclear framework
The SHANTI Bill, which has been passed by both Houses of Parliament, makes sweeping changes to India's civil nuclear framework. It opens the sector to private participation and repeals the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, as well as the Atomic Energy Act, 1962. Opposition parties have strongly opposed these changes, arguing that removing supplier liability provisions could leave citizens vulnerable in case of a nuclear accident.
Scrutiny rejection
Opposition's demand for parliamentary scrutiny rejected
The opposition had demanded that the bill be sent to a parliamentary committee for detailed scrutiny, but their demands were rejected. The legislation was passed in the Lok Sabha and later cleared by the Rajya Sabha by voice vote without further discussion. Prime Minister Modi later called the passage of the SHANTI Bill a "transformational moment," while Congress maintains it undermines parliamentary consensus from 2010 and compromises national interest to please external powers.