France firm up civil nuclear ties; ink seven agreements - INDIA

New Delhi: India and France on Monday signed seven agreements, including on nuclear cooperation, to firm up the bilateral relationship.

After talks at the Hyderabad House here, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told a joint press conference with visiting French President Nicholas Sarkozy that talks were in advanced stages to set up the nuclear reactors at Jaitapur in Maharashtra.

As part of the general framework agreed between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd and French company Areva, two European pressurised reactor nuclear plants would be built at Jaitpur.

The deal paves way for the first French nuclear reactors to be set up in the country.

Among other agreements include a deal on intellectual property rights and confidentiality to allow for cooperation in civil nuclear energy.

Sarkozy told the press conference that France was determined to enter into full nuclear partnership with India.

In response to a question whether any issues remained to be sorted out, Dr Singh said there were minor issues including pricing which will be discussed during negotiations.

Dr Singh described France as one of India’s “most important and reliable partners” and appreciated its willingness to supply advanced technology.

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