On February 12, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron visited the ITER site in Saint-Paul-lès-Durance, France. This marked a historic occasion, as it was the first time two heads of state toured the facility together. They were welcomed by ITER Director-General Pietro Barabaschi, who guided them through the main experimental building where the fusion reactor components are being meticulously assembled. Director-General Barabaschi highlighted the project's recent achievements, including successful repairs on major components and adherence to cost performance targets. Prime Minister Modi expressed his admiration for the team's efforts on social media, describing the project as "a commendable step toward sustainable and limitless clean energy for the future."  

This visit followed the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit, co-hosted by President Macron and Prime Minister Modi in Paris on February 10 and 11. After the summit, the leaders traveled to Marseille, where they paid tribute at the Mazargues War Cemetery to Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World War I, and jointly inaugurated the new Indian Consulate in Marseille.  

India has been a significant contributor to the ITER project, providing critical components and expertise. The visit underscored the collaborative efforts between France and India in advancing nuclear fusion research, aiming to develop a clean and sustainable energy source for the future.

Image: Prime minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and President of France Emmanuel Macron at ITER site. Credit: ITER Organization

Source: ITER-India