India and France have recently reviewed their ongoing cooperation in civil nuclear energy, signaling a deepening of their strategic partnership. The discussions, held in New Delhi, focused on key areas including emerging technologies such as Small and Advanced Modular Reactors (SMRs/AMRs) and the expansion of joint cooperation with third countries. These advanced reactor technologies are considered vital for powering data centers and AI hubs, aligning with global green energy initiatives.
The review took place during a meeting of the bilateral special task force on civil nuclear energy, co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri from India and Anne-Marie Descôtes, Secretary-General of the French Foreign Ministry. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made over the past year, reaffirming the significance of their engagement in these cutting-edge technologies. The agreement to maintain close communication on all aspects of their civil nuclear cooperation underscores the commitment from both nations.
This collaboration builds upon previous milestones, including the declaration of intent signed in February to work together on SMRs and AMRs. The discussions also encompassed broader bilateral cooperation, spanning sectors like defense, counter-terrorism, innovation, technology, and space. Furthermore, the two nations explored avenues for strengthening their partnership through trilateral cooperation with other countries.
The strategic importance of nuclear energy for both India and France was highlighted in a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron. They emphasized that nuclear power plays an essential role in ensuring energy security and facilitating the transition towards a low-carbon economy for both nations. The fruitful discussions and agreements reached during this review are expected to pave the way for significant advancements in India-France civil nuclear energy collaboration.