Question : ITER PROJECTS

(a) whether India is a party to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Project; and

(b) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE), PMO, PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS(SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN):

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is a multinational project involving the European Union, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the United States.ITER is being built at Cadarache in the South of France, near the port of Marseille.India joined ITER negotiations in December 2005 and the ITER Organization came into existence in November 2006 after all parties signed an Agreement.India is responsible for delivery of about 9.09 % of the ITER contribution which is mostly in-kind.The components to be delivered by India are to be primarily manufactured by Indian Industries or in collaboration with Indian industries.