India and France to Collaborate on Small Modular Reactors in February 2025

India and France have agreed to collaborate on co-designing, co-developing, and co-producing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs). This agreement, reached during talks in Marseille between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron, marks a significant step in civil nuclear energy cooperation between the two nations. Both countries will also cooperate in capacity building for researchers and professionals in the civil nuclear energy sector. This initiative aims to enhance expertise and innovation in nuclear technology. In addition to nuclear cooperation, India and France have signed an agreement on Triangular Development Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. This collaboration seeks to provide solutions for economic progress and development in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on digital innovation, clean energy, biodiversity preservation, women empowerment, and other key areas. The projects will be demand-driven and owned by the respective countries. Both leaders also reviewed progress in defense, space, health, and people-to-people cooperation, aligned with the Horizon 2047 roadmap and the defense industrial roadmap adopted in 2024. They welcomed advancements in the construction of Scorpene submarines in India and ongoing discussions in missiles, helicopter engines, and jet engines. Furthermore, India has been included as an observer in the Eurodrone MALE program, enhancing defense equipment partnership. Regular military exercises, including maritime exercises and joint patrolling, will continue, with the upcoming Varuna exercise scheduled for March 2025. Both leaders addressed international issues, including the Middle East and Ukraine, and agreed to strengthen EU-India relations, anticipating an India-EU summit in New Delhi. They also acknowledged growing cooperation with Australia and the United Arab Emirates, focusing on trilateral projects in economy, innovation, health, renewable energy, and maritime domains. The collaboration between India and France is expected to foster innovation, enhance energy security, and promote sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific region. The focus on SMRs and AMRs could lead to advancements in nuclear energy technology, while the Triangular Development Cooperation aims to address critical needs in the Indo-Pacific region.