India-France nuclear energy cooperation agreement enters into force

New Delhi, Jan 14(ANI): The India-France cooperation agreement on the development of peaceful uses of nuclear energy enters into force today.

The agreement will give a new impetus to cooperation for the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes as an expression of India-France strategic partnership,

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and Ambassador of France to India Jerome Bonnafont exchanged the instruments of ratification of the cooperation agreement between the two governments signed in Paris on September 30, 2008.

In accordance with the provisions of the agreement, it enters into force on the date of exchange of instruments of ratification.

"As responsible States with advanced nuclear technologies, India and France intend to develop multifaceted civil nuclear cooperation covering a wide range of activities including nuclear power projects, fuel supply, R and D, nuclear safety, education and training," The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

"The entry into force of the Agreement gives a new impetus to the Indo-French partnership and will further strengthen the deep ties of friendship and longstanding cooperation between the two countries," the statement added.

Earlier in September 2009, India and France finalized the landmark agreement on civil nuclear cooperation, covering the supply of reactors and atomic fuel, and ending 34 years of nuclear trade isolation. (ANI)