By NNN-PTI
New Delhi : Taking a major step forward in their strategic partnership, India and France are expected to unveil a framework agreement for civil nuclear cooperation and sign a pact in defence field during the visit of President Nicholas Sarkozy here from Friday.
The document on civil nuclear cooperation will, however, not be signed as France is awaiting the finalisation of a safeguards agreement between India and IAEA and change of rules of the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
The issue of civil nuclear cooperation will be discussed during talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sarkozy, who will undertake his maiden visit here to be Chief Guest of the Republic Day celebrations, sources said Monday.
The two sides will also outline plans to enhance the business ties by raising the trade target besides deciding on cooperation in sustainable development.
The intention of civil nuclear cooperation was spelt out in a joint statements after Summit talks between the two countries in 2005 and 2006.
During Sarkozy’s two-day visit, the two countries will take a “step further” in this direction by declaring that “everything is ready” pending finalisation of safeguards agreement between India and IAEA and exemption by NSG to allow international community to have civil nuclear trade with New Delhi, the sources said.
The visit will see France conveying that “if and when India comes to an agreement with the IAEA and NSG opens the door for cooperation, its friends are ready to start cooperation in the field,” they said.