By Foreign Secretary Vikram

Copyright knnindia

New Delhi, Sep 23 (KNN) India and France on Monday reviewed their civil nuclear energy partnership, with a focus on emerging technologies such as small and advanced modular reactors, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

The discussions were held in New Delhi at a meeting of the bilateral special task force on civil nuclear energy, co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and French Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Anne-Marie Descotes, according to PTI.

Both sides conducted a comprehensive review of progress in civil nuclear cooperation over the past year and reaffirmed the importance of engagement in advanced reactor technologies.

They also discussed the potential for joint projects with third countries in the sector.

The MEA recalled that in February, India and France finalised a declaration of intent to collaborate on small and advanced modular reactors, which are considered vital green energy sources for future needs, including data and artificial intelligence hubs.

Beyond nuclear cooperation, Misri and Descotes exchanged views on advancing bilateral ties in defence, counter-terrorism, innovation, technology, and space, as well as strengthening trilateral partnerships with other countries.

The two officials also discussed global and regional issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and developments in West Asia, the MEA added.