India has emerged as a key player in the global pursuit of sustainable energy through nuclear fusion technology. A significant milestone in this field has been achieved with the Steady State Superconducting Tokamak-1 (SST-1), which has been operational since 2013. The SST-1 has successfully generated plasma temperatures of approximately 200 million degrees Celsius, nearly 20 times hotter than the core of the Sun.

This breakthrough positions India among an elite group of six nations that have developed and operate superconducting Tokamaks. The achievement underscores India's commitment to advancing fusion research, particularly as international competitors, such as China, continue to push the boundaries with projects like the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), which recently set a world record by sustaining plasma for 1,000 seconds.

India’s progress in nuclear fusion signifies a critical step toward developing clean and virtually limitless energy, reinforcing its role in shaping the future of sustainable power generation.

Building on its success in nuclear fusion research, India is set to advance its capabilities with the development of the Steady-State Superconducting Tokamak-2 (SST-2), a next-generation fusion reactor. This ambitious project is expected to incorporate advanced features such as biological shielding and improved plasma control systems, enhancing both safety and efficiency.

India’s Steady-State Superconducting Tokamak-1 (SST-1) has already demonstrated significant progress in fusion research, achieving plasma temperatures nearly 20 times hotter than the Sun's core. This milestone positions India as a key competitor in global fusion advancements, alongside countries like China, whose Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) recently set a world record by sustaining plasma for 1,000 seconds.

The construction of SST-2 is set to commence in 2027, marking a crucial step forward in India's pursuit of sustainable and limitless energy. This development reaffirms India’s commitment to leading the way in nuclear fusion technology and contributing to the global transition toward clean energy solutions.

China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), often referred to as the "artificial sun," has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in nuclear fusion research. On January 20, 2025, EAST sustained plasma for an unprecedented 1,066 seconds, surpassing its previous record of 403 seconds set in 2023.

Operating at temperatures exceeding 100 million degrees Celsius, the EAST reactor continues to push the boundaries of fusion technology. These extreme conditions are essential for maintaining stable fusion reactions, bringing scientists closer to achieving a sustainable and virtually limitless energy source. This achievement underscores China's growing leadership in nuclear fusion research and highlights the global race toward harnessing fusion energy for the future.

The advancements made by India and China underscore the competitive yet collaborative nature of nuclear fusion research. While India’s Steady-State Superconducting Tokamak-1 (SST-1) has demonstrated the ability to generate plasma 20 times hotter than the Sun’s core, China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) has focused on sustaining plasma for extended durations, recently setting a record of 1,066 seconds.

Both nations are actively contributing to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a multinational initiative aimed at making fusion a viable energy source. Fusion technology holds immense promise as a solution to global energy challenges, offering a clean, virtually limitless energy supply without greenhouse gas emissions.

India’s recent breakthroughs cement its growing role in nuclear fusion research, while China’s advancements highlight the increasing competition in this domain. As both countries continue to push the boundaries of fusion technology, their contributions not only fuel regional competition but also enhance the global knowledge base, bringing the world closer to achieving practical fusion energy solutions. These developments have far-reaching implications for energy security and environmental sustainability on a global scale.