India’s 100GW Nuclear Dream Amid Rising Geopolitical Threats

Why Nuclear Facilities Are Targets
‘Radiological Mines’: Attacking plants risks Chernobyl-style disasters, making them human shields in warfare.
Preventive Strikes: Israel’s 2025 hits on Iran’s Natanz/Arak sites aim to halt alleged weaponization (citing self-defense under UN Charter).
Legal Shields Eroding: Article 56 of Geneva Conventions bars attacks causing “severe civilian harm” – but enforcement is weak.

Key Conflict Zones
Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia:
Military activity risks core meltdown; “cold shutdown” (safe reactor state) ignored.
Iran-Israel Escalation:
Iran’s NPT compliance vs. Israel’s intelligence on 90% enriched uranium (weapons-grade).
IAEA monitors safeguarded sites but can’t prevent strikes.

India’s Strategic Stakes
Energy Goals: 100GW nuclear capacity by 2047 (vs. 8GW today) – vital for net-zero emissions.
Legal Reforms: Amendments to Atomic Energy Act (1962) and Civil Liability Act (2010) to attract private investment.
Threat Impact: Conflict spillovers could disrupt supply chains and international cooperation.
 

Sample Q&As for Exams
Q: Which international law prohibits attacks on nuclear plants?
A: Article 56, Additional Protocol I (Geneva Conventions), if attacks cause civilian radiation harm.
Q: What justifies Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites?
A: Claims of preventive self-defense against alleged weaponization under civilian cover.
Q: Define ‘cold shutdown’ of a nuclear reactor.
A: Safe state where coolant maintains sub-boiling temperatures without power.
Q: How does targeting nuclear plants violate IAEA norms?
A: Breaches resolutions condemning strikes on safeguarded facilities as illegal.
Q: Why is India vulnerable in this geopolitical shift?
A: Reliance on nuclear expansion for clean energy; conflicts risk investment and tech transfers.