India and France to jointly develop small modular nuclear reactors
India and France have announced plans to jointly develop small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), marking a significant step in their energy cooperation. The announcement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France, where he held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron on strengthening energy security and advancing a low-carbon economy through nuclear power.
The move comes shortly after India signaled its intent to amend its stringent nuclear liability law, which has been blamed for delays in previous nuclear projects. The law, which holds operators accountable for accidents, has deterred international investors and slowed nuclear energy expansion in the country.
India’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Delhi and Paris would work on the development of small modular and advanced modular reactors for civilian use. These reactors, which are considerably smaller than traditional nuclear plants, can be manufactured in factories and transported to designated locations for assembly and installation. Unlike conventional reactors, they require minimal land and infrastructure, making them a more flexible and scalable energy solution.
Speaking on the initiative, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the objective was to foster cooperation in the emerging SMR technology sector. “We intend to collaborate on co-designing, co-developing, and co-producing these reactors. This will help us address challenges that have complicated previous nuclear projects,” Misri stated.
The partnership marks a notable shift in India’s nuclear energy policy. The Modi government, previously known for maintaining strict control over nuclear power, appears to be opening the sector to greater international collaboration and private sector involvement. Earlier this month, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set an ambitious target of generating 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear energy by 2047. To support this goal, the government has pledged more than $2 billion for nuclear research and development, focusing on the construction of five indigenous reactors by 2033.
India and France’s nuclear collaboration had previously centered around a proposed mega nuclear plant in Maharashtra, set to be the largest in the world. However, the project has faced more than a decade of delays, largely due to India’s nuclear liability law. The law was introduced following concerns over nuclear safety and corporate accountability, particularly in the wake of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy and the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan.
Meanwhile, Modi is currently in the United States for a two-day visit, where he is expected to discuss potential nuclear investments with American firms. His meetings with President Donald Trump and top business leaders are likely to include discussions on diversifying India’s energy sources through U.S. nuclear technology. Earlier this week, U.S. Vice President JD Vance met Modi on the sidelines of the AI Summit in Paris and emphasized Washington’s interest in supporting India’s nuclear ambitions.
India’s renewed focus on nuclear energy is part of its broader strategy to achieve energy security while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. As the country ramps up efforts to expand its nuclear capacity, partnerships with France and the U.S. could prove instrumental in shaping the future of India’s clean energy landscape.