India and France Strengthen Ties in Nuclear Fusion and Maritime Connectivity During PM Modi's Visit

Synopsis

During his visit to France, PM Modi and President Macron strengthened ties in nuclear fusion and maritime logistics. They visited the ITER facility, showcasing India's contributions to clean energy and explored CMA-CGM's role in regional connectivity through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

Key Takeaways

Modi's visit marks the first by a head of state to ITER.
India contributes significantly to ITER as a member nation.
Future collaborations in logistics were discussed with CMA-CGM.
IMEC aims to enhance connectivity between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Focus on sustainable trade and reduced emissions.

Marseille (France), Feb 12 (NationPress) In a historic first, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant visit to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) located in Cadarache, southern France, accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday.

India is one of the seven member nations of ITER, contributing to this groundbreaking scientific endeavor aimed at demonstrating nuclear fusion as a clean, sustainable source of limitless energy. India's involvement includes the delivery of nine unique in-kind packages, showcasing advanced materials, machining techniques, and technologies.

The leaders were greeted on-site by ITER Director General Pietro Barabaschi, who highlighted the progress made in the assembly of the largest Tokamak globally, which aims to produce 500 MW of fusion energy through the creation and management of burning plasma. They also commended the commitment of the engineers and scientists dedicated to this monumental project.

Approximately 200 Indian scientists and industry leaders, including L&T, Inox India, TCS, TCE, and HCL Technologies, are actively participating in ITER.

Additionally, PM Modi and President Macron toured the control room of CMA-CGM, a prominent French shipping and logistics firm in Marseille.

The Prime Minister received insights into the company’s operations, including shipping, port management, supply chain logistics, and warehousing, alongside discussions on future collaborations regarding the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). This corridor aims to connect Asia, Europe, and the Middle East through various stakeholders.

“Strengthening Maritime Connections in Marseille! President Emmanuel Macron and I had the opportunity to visit the CMA-CGM control room, a leader in shipping and logistics. As India enhances its maritime and trade networks, partnerships with industry leaders are essential for improving connectivity, supply chains, and economic development. We are committed to advancing India-France cooperation in logistics, sustainability, and global trade, reinforcing our mutual vision for a prosperous maritime future,” PM Modi shared on X after the visit.

During the G20 Leaders' Summit in September 2023, leaders from India, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on developing IMEC, featuring two corridors: one connecting India to the Gulf and the other linking the Gulf to Europe.

As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this corridor will establish a reliable and cost-efficient cross-border shipping to rail transit network, complementing existing maritime routes. Its goals include enhancing efficiency, lowering costs, securing regional supply chains, increasing trade access, fostering economic collaboration, generating employment, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thereby transforming the integration of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East (West Asia).