India, France Deepen Nuclear and Strategic Ties at Second Civil Nuclear Task Force Meet

India and France convened the second meeting of the Special Task Force on Civil Nuclear Energy in New Delhi on September 22, 2025, reaffirming their strategic intent to advance cooperation in nuclear technology and related emerging sectors. 

The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Anne-Marie Descôtes, Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Both sides reviewed developments over the past year, assessing progress made through multiple consultations and technical engagements. 

A key focus of the discussions was the continued collaboration on Small and Advanced Modular Reactors, in line with the Declaration of Intent signed between the two countries in February 2025. 

The officials reiterated the importance of these technologies in supporting clean energy goals and agreed to maintain close coordination on technical and regulatory frameworks.

In addition to civil nuclear cooperation, the Foreign Secretary and the Secretary-General held wide-ranging discussions on expanding bilateral engagement across critical sectors. 

File Photo of Vikram Misri; Via IFS

This included innovation and technology, defence collaboration, space cooperation, and counterterrorism efforts. 

Both sides also examined the scope for joint initiatives with third countries under a trilateral format, reflecting their shared interest in global partnerships.

The two officials also exchanged assessments on pressing geopolitical developments. The Russia-Ukraine conflict, its implications for energy security and international law, and ongoing tensions in the West Asia region were discussed as part of a broader conversation on global stability. 

The meeting underlined the strategic convergence between India and France and their commitment to working together on shared global challenges.