Tue Jan 21 21:00:14 UTC 2025: ## India and France to Boost High-Tech Cooperation Ahead of Modi’s Visit

**Paris, France –** India and France have pledged to strengthen their collaboration in advanced technology sectors, following high-level talks in Paris. The discussions, held on January 21st, involved Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and French officials, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and laid the groundwork for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to France.

Mr. Modi will attend the Summit for Action on Artificial Intelligence in Paris on February 10th and 11th, with India co-chairing the event. The talks also addressed the long-standing issues surrounding the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project, a significant point of contention despite a revised offer from French energy company EDF in 2022. The project’s high cost, delays, and India’s civil liability law remain obstacles to its completion.

While the Jaitapur project continues to be negotiated, India and France expressed their commitment to expanding cooperation in various sectors, including defence, civil nuclear energy (beyond Jaitapur, exploring Small Modular Reactors), space, cyber, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence. The two nations also exchanged views on geopolitical issues, such as the situation in West Asia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The agreement to expand high-end technology partnerships signifies a deepening of strategic ties between the two countries.

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