India and France have agreed to deepen cooperation in the nuclear energy sector, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron discussing opportunities in conventional nuclear power as well as emerging technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors during bilateral talks in Nice.
Addressing a special media briefing on PM Modi’s visit, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said recent legislative reforms in India’s nuclear sector have opened new avenues for collaboration and investment by foreign companies, including French firms.
Misri noted that the enactment of the SHANTI Act, 2025 (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India), has significantly transformed India’s nuclear landscape by allowing private sector participation and foreign direct investment in the sector. He said the development creates opportunities for French nuclear companies to directly participate in India’s nuclear energy programme, either independently or in partnership with Indian private sector enterprises.
He added that discussions between the two countries have expanded beyond conventional nuclear projects to include advanced technologies such as small modular and advanced modular reactors.
Misri said that both leaders acknowledged the importance of continued engagement between relevant agencies and strategic task forces working on nuclear cooperation.
The Foreign Secretary also highlighted ongoing discussions between Électricité de France and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited on technical and financial aspects of nuclear projects. He said these talks are taking into account rapid technological advancements and evolving financing models within the global nuclear industry.
The SHANTI Act, 2025, replaced the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, introducing a new framework aimed at encouraging investment and innovation in the sector.
Alongside nuclear cooperation, defence collaboration also featured prominently in the discussions. Misri underscored that indigenisation remains a central pillar of India’s defence partnership with France, particularly in relation to ongoing discussions concerning the Rafale fighter aircraft programme.
He said India’s approach to defence cooperation is increasingly guided by the principles of co-development, co-design, co-production and co-manufacturing under the government’s “Make in India” initiative. According to Misri, greater local manufacturing and indigenous content are key priorities in all future defence collaborations.
While discussions regarding Rafale platforms continue between the two countries and their respective air forces, Misri stressed that India seeks to ensure that future defence partnerships contribute significantly to domestic industrial capabilities and technological self-reliance.
He noted that the broader defence dialogue between India and France is focused on enhancing local production and integrating Indian industry more deeply into global defence supply chains.
PM Modi held bilateral talks with President Macron at the historic Villa Kerylos in Nice on June 14. The meeting was the first between the two leaders since the elevation of India-France relations to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” earlier this year.
Following the conclusion of his visit to Nice, PM Modi departed for Bratislava as part of the next leg of his diplomatic tour. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the visit as productive, highlighting significant outcomes in innovation, future technologies, defence cooperation and strategic partnerships.
In a post on X before departing, PM Modi thanked President Macron for the discussions and expressed confidence that the India-France partnership would continue to scale new heights in the years ahead.
(With agency inputs)
