On 21 June 2026, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), inaugurated the indigenous Versatile Deuterated compound Production Plant (VDPP) at the Heavy Water Board Facility (HWBF) in Vadodara and commissioned the 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell. The step marks an important advance in strengthening India's indigenous technological capabilities and strategic materials programme. The VDPP enhances the country's indigenous capacity to produce specialised deuterated compounds essential for advanced scientific research, strategic applications and cutting-edge technological programmes. The plant aims to meet national requirements in this critical area through indigenous production of high-purity deuterated solvents. The commissioning of the 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell is a major technological achievement towards indigenous industrial-scale production of nuclear-grade sodium, a critical material for India's Fast Breeder Reactor programme. Developed through sustained research, engineering excellence and technological innovation, the facility is a significant step towards self-reliance in strategic materials needed for the second stage of India's three-stage nuclear power programme, in line with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mohanty said the developments reflect India's growing capabilities in developing critical materials and technologies through indigenous research and innovation, strengthening strategic self-reliance and supporting the long-term objectives of India's nuclear power programme. The ceremony was held in the presence of Shri K.N. Vyas, Homi Bhabha Chair Professor and former Secretary of DAE and Chairman of AEC, along with senior Heavy Water Board officials including Shri V.V.S.A. Prasad and Shri K.V. Tale.