PM Modi and President Macron Visit Groundbreaking Fusion Energy Project ITER in France

Marseille, France, February 12 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron, made a historic visit to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in Cadarache, southern France, marking the first visit by any Head of State or Government to the ambitious fusion energy project. ITER is one of the world’s largest experimental initiatives aimed at demonstrating nuclear fusion as a clean and unlimited energy source.

India’s Key Role in ITER

India, as one of the seven ITER members, plays a pivotal role in the project. The country has contributed nine in-kind packages, marking significant advancements in materials development, technologies, and machining techniques. This collaboration underscores India’s commitment to the future of sustainable energy.

During their visit, the two leaders were welcomed by ITER Director General Pietro Barabaschi. They reviewed the progress of ITER, particularly the assembly of the world’s largest Tokamak. This reactor aims to produce 500 MW of fusion power by creating and containing burning plasma, a critical step towards achieving sustainable fusion energy.

Recognition of Engineers and Scientists

Prime Minister Modi and President Macron also praised the dedication of the engineers and scientists working tirelessly on the ITER project. Their combined efforts aim to push the boundaries of clean energy technology, with the potential to revolutionize how the world generates power.

India’s involvement in the project includes approximately 200 Indian scientists and industry leaders, including L&T, Inox India, TCS, TCE, and HCL Technologies. These contributions highlight the depth of India’s technological expertise and its global role in pioneering fusion energy.

Exploring Maritime and Logistics Cooperation

Following their visit to ITER, the two leaders also toured the control room of CMA-CGM, a global shipping and logistics giant based in Marseille. Here, they discussed future collaborations in maritime trade, supply chain management, and warehousing. This visit also ties into the broader context of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which aims to enhance connectivity across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

PM Modi shared his thoughts on social media, stating: “Strengthening Maritime Ties in Marseille! President Emmanuel Macron and I visited the control room of CMA-CGM, a global leader in shipping and logistics. As India expands its maritime and trade networks, collaborations with industry leaders will play a crucial role in boosting connectivity, supply chains, and economic growth.”

IMEC: A Transformative Economic Corridor

The leaders of India, France, the European Union, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the United States officially announced the IMEC during the G20 Summit in September 2023. The project will create two major corridors—one linking India to the Gulf, and another connecting the Gulf to Europe.

The IMEC initiative aims to offer a reliable and cost-effective cross-border transit network, supplementing existing maritime routes. It will enhance regional supply chains, reduce costs, improve trade accessibility, and foster greater economic cooperation. Moreover, the corridor will contribute to job creation and help lower greenhouse gas emissions, making it a critical project for both the environment and the global economy.

The Road Ahead: Strengthening Global Partnerships

As India strengthens its partnership with France and other key nations, these collaborations in energy, logistics, and trade are set to redefine global supply chains and energy networks. The ITER project, with India’s active participation, represents a crucial step in ensuring a greener, sustainable energy future for the world.

The visit to ITER and CMA-CGM underscores the growing ties between India and France, as well as the shared commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability on the global stage.

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