In a historic first, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) facility in Cadarache, France, on February 12, 2025. Their visit marked a significant moment in global scientific collaboration and the pursuit of clean energy solutions, as ITER is the world’s most ambitious fusion energy project.
This visit also made Prime Minister Modi and President Macron the first-ever heads of state or government to tour the facility, reaffirming their commitment to advancing sustainable energy and scientific cooperation.
ITER: The Future of Clean Energy
ITER is an international megaproject aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of nuclear fusion as a large-scale energy source. At the heart of the facility is the world’s largest Tokamak reactor, which, once operational, is expected to generate 500 MW of fusion power, mimicking the energy production process of the Sun.
✔ ITER is a collaborative effort of seven global partners—India, France, the European Union, the United States, China, Russia, Japan, and South Korea
âś” The project aims to achieve self-sustaining fusion reactions, paving the way for an unlimited, carbon-free energy future
✔ India has been a key contributor to ITER since its inception, with cutting-edge Indian technology and expertise shaping the project’s success
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron were given an exclusive tour of the facility by ITER Director-General Dr. Pietro Barabaschi. The leaders were briefed on the progress of the Tokamak assembly and the groundbreaking advancements being made in plasma confinement, superconducting magnets, and nuclear fusion research.
India’s Significant Role in ITER
India is playing a pivotal role in ITER’s success, contributing both scientific expertise and critical components to the project. Over 200 Indian scientists, engineers, and industry professionals are actively involved in ITER’s development.
Indian companies such as:
✔ Larsen & Toubro (L&T) – Supplied major cryostat components
✔ Inox India – Delivered advanced cryogenic systems
✔ TCS & HCL Technologies – Providing high-end IT infrastructure
✔ Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE) – Supporting design and engineering
Prime Minister Modi lauded India’s technological contributions to ITER, emphasizing that India’s commitment to clean energy aligns with its ambitious “Net Zero by 2070” goal.
Strengthening Indo-French Collaboration in Science & Energy
The joint visit underscored India and France’s shared vision for clean energy leadership and scientific innovation. President Macron praised India’s commitment to fusion research, highlighting that Indo-French cooperation is key to solving global energy challenges.
âś” India and France have a long-standing partnership in nuclear energy, including collaborations in civil nuclear power and renewable energy
✔ Both nations reaffirmed their support for ITER’s success as a stepping stone towards commercial fusion reactors
âś” Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of accelerating fusion energy research to provide a sustainable and limitless power source for future generations
A Historic Visit with a Vision for the Future
The ITER visit concluded with a joint statement by Prime Minister Modi and President Macron, reaffirming their commitment to advancing fusion technology. The leaders also called for greater international cooperation in clean energy research, emphasizing that fusion energy could revolutionize the global power landscape in the coming decades.
As the world moves towards decarbonization and energy security, India and France’s partnership in ITER sets a strong example of international collaboration in cutting-edge science and sustainable development.