India, France sign civil nuclear cooperation agreement

30 September 2008

India and France today signed a landmark agreement on civil nuclear cooperation that covers supply of reactors and atomic fuel, taking the first concrete step to bringing India back in the nuclear mainstream after 34 years of isolation.

The Indo-France Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement was signed by Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Anil Kakodkar and French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner in the presence of prime minister Manmohan Singh and French president Nocolas Sarkozy.

The two countries also pledged to enhance bilateral ties in all spheres, including economic, political and cultural fields. 

''Today we have added a new dimension to our strategic partnership by signing an inter-governmental agreement on civil nuclear cooperation,'' Manmohan said after signing the agreement.

France now becomes the first country to open nuclear trade with India after the 45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) granted a waiver to New Delhi on 6 September.

The Indo-US nuclear deal is awaiting Congressional nod and an agreement on it between the two countries is expected to be inked soon.