New Delhi: In a move to bring in the private sector in the nuclear power sector, the Indian government will partner with private players in setting up small reactors, for research and development of small modular reactors, and newer nuclear energy technologies.

Presenting her seventh Union budget on Tuesday in the Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said: "Nuclear energy is expected to form a very significant part of the energy mix for Viksit Bharat."

"Towards that pursuit, our government will partner with the private sector for setting up Bharat Small Reactors, research & development of Bharat Small Modular Reactors, and research & development of newer technologies for nuclear energy. The R&D funding announced in the interim budget will be made available for this sector," she said.