The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) launched the Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea (ATLAS) initiative at a ministerial conference attended by India's Atomic Energy Commission chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty. The agency presented the initiative as a means of bringing together the nuclear and maritime sectors to shape the future of energy and shipping and to build global confidence in the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technology at sea. The platform is intended to explore the use of small modular reactors for commercial shipping and to address logistical constraints such as refuelling frequency.

The IAEA also outlined potential applications including floating nuclear power plants that could provide reliable electricity to coastal or remote communities and industry. Mohanty described the ATLAS launch as timely in advancing safe, secure and sustainable use of nuclear technologies, particularly small modular reactors for civilian maritime propulsion and offshore energy. He noted that India's long coastline, numerous offshore islands and expanding commercial shipping sector present opportunities for deploying small modular reactors for offshore energy supply and potential vessel propulsion.

The ministerial event was linked to India's broader energy objectives, with Mohanty linking ATLAS to the country's long term vision for reliable low carbon power that supports economic growth, energy security and climate goals. He outlined the Nuclear Energy Mission, which targets 100 gigawatt of nuclear power capacity by 2047 and envisages deploying at least five indigenous designed Bharat Small Modular Reactors by 2033. Recent domestic reforms were highlighted as enabling factors for participation in the initiative.

Mohanty noted that the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy and Transforming India Act has opened nuclear power generation to private participation and aligned the domestic liability framework with global norms, while strengthening the authority of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. He said these changes complement India's capabilities in indigenous technology development and closer fuel cycles. India signalled readiness to share expertise and capacity building to help take forward the ATLAS initiative.