France has endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent comment that promoting nuclear energy is necessary to fight against climate change.
"We agree with the PM's stand on nuclear energy and climate change. We share that nuclear energy is essential part of fighting climate change," French Ambassador to India François Richier said at an interaction with the media on Tuesday.
The Ambassador, however, did not clarify whether India and France would be finalising the proposed Indo-France Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project at Maharashtra during Modi's visit to France next month.
"It is a big project with six reactors. It is not something to be tied to a particular visit. It is really good if it happens during this visit. If not, it will happen later," he said.
French nuclear company Areva and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) are in negotiations for setting up six advanced nuclear reactors at Jaitapur in Maharashtra.
India is hoping that Modi's meeting with French President Francois Hollande during his visit will at least give a big push for the conclusion of the deal for the 9,900-MW nuclear power plant.
Modi, on Monday, criticised developed countries for lecturing India on climate change, yet refusing to provide nuclear fuel for producing clean energy.
The PM, during his visit to France starting on April 9, will also hold discussions on smart cities, solar energy and make in India initiatives of the Government.
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