India and France have partnered together to build a nuclear reactor, which is an important step in the international collaboration between the two nations. This partnership will enhance India's capabilities in nuclear energy development in accordance with India's plans for expanding on their nuclear power generation.
The collaboration will utilize France’s nuclear engineering knowledge in construction of the Evolutionary Pressurized Reactor (EPR). This type of reactor is characterized by safety, high efficiency, and low environmental impact. India wishes to use the adoption of this technology to shift to cleaner energy much quicker and lessen their dependence on fossil fuels, as well as lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
This partnership is expected to stimulate economic development as well and provide growth possibilities for other numerous industries servicing the nuclear energy market. It will also promote the transfer of knowledge, skills, and best practices among Indian and French scientists, engineers, and researchers, which will foster innovation and development of nuclear technology.
Besides the aforementioned benefits, it is clear that this collaboration will also improve the strategic relations between India and France. Both countries have been working together in other spheres such as defense, space, and renewable energy, and this partnership is expected to greatly further their bilateral relation.
India will benefit greatly from its partnership with France in addressing the challenges posed by climate change, energy security, and infrastructure development. Integrating nuclear energy into the economy will help India lower its carbon footprint, encourage energy autonomy, and accelerate economic development which will make a sustainable future achievable ¹.