NEW DELHI, Dec 6 � France today signed a multi-billion dollar framework accord for building two advanced nuclear reactors in India as visiting President Nicolas Sarkozy endorsed New Delhi�s claim for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council and joined hands to combat �safe havens� of terror in the region, reports IANS.
Giving a push to their defence cooperation, the two sides have also finalized $2.1 billion Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft upgradation deal, but the deal will have to await a few weeks to be signed.
The two sides signed five nuclear-related pacts, including an early works agreement and a general framework agreement between French nuclear giant Areva and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) for building two third-generation advanced European Pressurized Reactors (EPRs).
The deal for two reactors, to be set up at Jaitapur in Maharashtra, is valued at $9.3 billion.
�In the field of nuclear energy, negotiations have reached an advanced stage to pave the way for the launching of nuclear power reactors in Jaitapur in partnership with Indian industry,� Manmohan Singh said at a joint press conference with Sarkozy.
�Several other agreements to expand interaction in the nuclear sector to areas such as research and training of scientists and students, nuclear safety, nuclear waste management and regulatory practices have been concluded,� he said.
Manmohan Singh, however, made it clear that issues related to the pricing of power and other technical matters were yet to be settled.
Sarkozy said that France would eventually build six nuclear reactors in India and backed India�s full membership in elite multilateral nuclear clubs, including the Nuclear Suppliers Group Missile Technology Control Regime, Australia Group, and Wassenaar Arrangement.
The pacts were signed after Manmohan Singh and Sarkozy held talks for nearly 90 minutes that focused on expanding bilateral civil nuclear cooperation and forging closer links in the field of defence, space, education and research.
The two leaders also discussed a host of global issues, including the UN reforms, global terrorism, reforms of international financial institutions, the G20 forum of major and emerging economies and climate change. The two sides also sought to nearly double bilateral trade to 12 billion euros by 2012.
Besides five atomic pacts, the two sides also signed a pact for co-production of films and another agreement for space cooperation in the field of earth science and climate.
France�s long-term plan to build six reactors in India for producing 10,000 mw electricity over the next few years formed the centrepiece of Sarkozy�s four-day presidential visit to India that started Saturday.
