New Delhi
December 7, 2005 

India has been accepted as a full partner in the ITER Project by consensus. This was decided at a meeting of the ITER partner countries (China, Japan, EU, RoK, Russia and the US) held in Jeju, Republic of Korea on 6 December 2005. Negotiations on finalizing the ITER Agreement are at an advanced stage and it is likely to be finalised shortly. 

ITER is an ambitious programme to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion energy for peaceful purposes. India had expressed interest in participating in the project as a full partner on the basis of its advanced scientific and technological base, its established record of R&D in fusion research as well as from the perspective of a country with enormous energy needs. 

India's acceptance as a full partner is an acknowledgement of India as a responsible nuclear state with advanced nuclear technology, including in the field of fusion research. It also recognizes that India can significantly contribute to such endeavors. As a full partner, Indian contribution to the ITER project shall be on the same basis as that of other partners.