In an attempt to broaden the scope of the strategic partnership with India, French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier has hinted at enhancing civilian nuclear cooperation during his meetings with the Indian leadership today.It’s learnt that France was open to starting consultations on the supply of light water reactors to India. Sources, however, said the problem for France is that it is constrained by the Nuclear Suppliers Group. France did make the point that it could not supply these reactors as an NSG member but was open to taking the discussions ahead, given India’s ‘‘exemplary record’’ on handling nuclear technology.Barnier is also said to have asked India to consider participating in the multi-million dollar International Themonuclear Experimental Reactor project which seeks to demonstrate the feasibility of using fusion energy for peaceful purposes. Barnier, who met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and held discussions with External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh today, also expressed the hope for greater cooperation in civilian space, particularly the Megatropics project of the ISRO. It’s learnt that energy cooperation was also discussed at this meeting. The PM stressed the importance of increasing French investments and hoped that French businessmen would take advantage of the opportunities here.The French delegation also drew attention to the interests of the Airbus Industrie in India. It is said to have emphasised that Airbus was a European company and is a symbol of cooperation between India and Europe. Barnier said France supported India’s candidature for permanent membership of the UNSC. He also clarified that France had not banned wearing of turbans but a legislation disallowed students from wearing ostentatious religious symbols to schools. ‘‘We will try and settle the matter through a dialogue with community heads,’’ he said.
