Multi-billion dollar nuclear deal signed between India & France

A multi-billion dollar agreement has been signed on Monday, between India and France, to build two nuclear power plants. Areva SA, one of France's main nuclear power companies, will build two European pressurized reactors of 1,650 megawatts each at Jaitapur in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, an agreement that is valued at around $ 9.3 billion.

This deal has marked the first two of 20 nuclear reactors India wants to build to meet its soaring energy demand.

French President Sarkozy in India

On his four-day visit to India here on Saturday, French President Nicolas Sarkozy called for a permanent seat for India in the U.N. Security Council, less than a month after US President Barack Obama's strong endorsement of India's bid for a seat in the UNSC.

France and India have great potential in developing their ties further. From civil nuclear energy co-operation to submarines, fighter aircrafts, education etc.

As India expands its wings in global stage, it would need a series of strategic partners who have similar interests as India does. Hence, relationship between India and France has a lot of strategic importance for both these powerful nations.