India and France plan to work together on developing small modular nuclear reactors, India’s foreign ministry said after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country.
Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of nuclear energy for “strengthening energy security” and transitioning towards a “low-carbon economy”.
It comes days after Delhi announced plans to change its strict nuclear liability law, which holds operators accountable for accidents or incidents and has been blamed for delays to previous nuclear projects.
Modi is also expected to discuss potential nuclear investments by US firms during his visit to Washington on Thursday.
India’s foreign ministry said the Delhi and Paris would develop small modular reactors and advanced modular reactors for civil use.
Such reactors can be built in factories and transported to locations where they can be assembled and installed.
They do not require large tracts of land or extensive infrastructure and are significantly smaller than traditional nuclear reactors.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the aim was to initiate “cooperation” as modular reactor technology was “still in its initial stages”.
The proposed partnership signals a shift in India’s nuclear energy policy.
Credit: BBC