France to cooperate with India in nuclear energy sector

Gurgaon, Sep 17 (UNI) France today expressed ''joy'' at the Nuclear Suppliers Group's (NSG) consensus waiver in India's favour and reiterated its commitment to enhancing bilateral ties between the two countries, including in the nuclear energy sector.

''We reiterate that since 1998, France is involved in leading India to a civil nuclear programme,'' visiting French Minister of State for Foreign Trade Anne-Marie Idrac said at a placement and recruitment fair here.

France has its own programme of nuclear technology and is a leader in Europe in that sphere, she stressed.

''India and France have been meeting regularly within the framework of political agreements and we will make India benefit from French expertise in the nuclear energy sector,'' the minister said.

Hailing India's prowess in the energy sector, she said, ''India's growth in keeping with its energy needs is spectacular.'' Ms Idrac said the delegation accompanying her includes specialists of all kinds of energy, including renewable energy.

The minister added that she had a ''fruitful'' meeting at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and also with Minister for Commerce and Industry Kamal Nath in New Delhi yesterday.

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