India, July 19 -- India is set to enter a new phase in its civilian nuclear programme with the operationalisation of the SHANTI Act (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Act), a legislative reform that is expected to open the sector to greater private participation while retaining government control over strategic and sensitive nuclear activities.

According to sources familiar with the government's deliberations, the rules required to operationalise the Act are expected to be notified in the coming weeks, paving the way for domestic and international companies to formally enter what industry executives describe as one of the world's most significant emerging nuclear power markets.

The timing is...