India and France have announced plans to collaborate on developing small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) following Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s visit to France. This initiative marks a shift in India’s nuclear energy policy and international partnerships.
During their meeting, Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized nuclear energy’s crucial role in enhancing energy security and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy. According to India’s foreign ministry, the two nations will jointly develop both small modular reactors and advanced modular reactors for civilian applications.
These compact reactors offer notable advantages over traditional nuclear facilities. They can be factory-built and transported to installation sites, eliminating the need for large land areas or extensive infrastructure. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri explained that the cooperation aims to address challenges encountered in conventional nuclear projects through collaborative design, development, and production processes.
This partnership reflects a notable evolution in India’s approach to nuclear power. Modi’s government, previously characterized by strict nuclear regulation, appears to be embracing greater international cooperation and private sector involvement in this field. The initiative aligns with recently announced ambitious targets by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who set a goal of 100GW of nuclear energy generation by 2047.
To support these objectives, the Indian government has committed over $2 billion for nuclear research and development, with much of this funding directed toward developing five home-grown reactors by 2033. The focus on SMRs represents a new direction in the longstanding nuclear collaboration between India and France.
Last updated: May 24th, 2026
