- French foreign ministers visit to India has paved way for enhanced bilateral trade between the 2 countries to benefit both the countries.
- It also served to propel ties with Europe, revolving around a Franco-German core.
- While France is looking at trading its hi-tech industry’s blue chip kernels, India is looking to strengthen its military preparedness, energy security and international profile.
- Efforts are made for finalizing:
- The multi-million dollar Rafael aircraft deal, which with its 126 Rafale fighter jets will bolster Indian Air Force along with the Russian Su-30 MKI multi-role planes.
- The stalled European Pressurised Reactors (EPR), involving 2 French nuclear reactors and transfer of the technical know-how along with its implantation and cost-cutting measures.
- Each of the nuclear reactors, with a capacity to generate 1,650 megawatts of power, will uplift France’s nuclear commerce and satiate India’s energy hunger.
- 4 similar additional reactors at Jaitapur site in Maharashtra is being considered.
- India has also demanded localization of the technique to involve the domestic workers, and provide greater scientific and technical exposure to Indian personnel to France’s Light Water Reactor (LWR) technology.
- Read at: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/a-significant-visit/article6175341.ece
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