Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday expressed the hope that the nuclear pact between India and France will come up for “possible signature” during his meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris on Tuesday.
“We have already initialled the framework agreement on bilateral cooperation in civilian nuclear matters. It will certainly come up for review and possible signature during my visit,” he told mediapersons on his way from New York to the French resort town on Marseille for the 9th India-EU summit tomorrow.
France is the chair of the rotating presidency of the European Union and Sarkozy will be present during the India-EU summit as well. Manmohan and Sarkozy will meet for the India-France summit in Paris on Tuesday.
While the India-US nuclear deal is nearing congressional approval, France has expressed keenness to enter into nuclear cooperation with India that will restore nuclear business between the two countries after a gap of more than three decades.
The framework agreement for nuclear cooperation was reached between India and France during Sarkozy’s visit to New Delhi in January. However, the two countries could not sign a formal agreement as India awaited a clearance from the nuclear suppliers’ group (NSG) to undertake nuclear commerce.
Manmohan will also participate in the India-EU Business Forum organised by MEDEF, the French Association of Enterprises. Commerce and industries
minister Kamal Nath and his delegation will later meet a number of French CEOs.
It is learnt that the three big French nuclear equipment suppliers, namely Areva, Alstom, and EDF, are in India exploring business opportunities.
The major question is that if France gives India a nuclear reactor, will the country also provide the fuel to its reactors?
“The issue is under debate and all details will be fixed at the level of Manmohan Singh and Nicolas Sarkozy,” said French officials.
France, with 80 per cent of its power coming from nuclear plants, may emerge as a key partner
for India.
New Delhi is also likely to sign a similar pact with Rusian during the Russian President’s visit to India in December.
