New Delhi France has assured India that the proposed nuclear reactors at Jaitapur in Maharashtra would follow the highest safety standards. Addressing a joint press conference at the end of talks with his Indian counterpart SM Krishna on Thursday, French foreign minister Alan Juppe said: "We discussed the issue of safety related to the civil nuclear cooperation with India. Nuclear energy is a vital source of power provided we develop the highest standards of safety." Juppe added safety provisions would be woven into the final agreement on EPR (European Pressurised Reactors). Krishna said: "The government remains committed to Jaitapur plant. We are awaiting the completion of the French Review of Safety Aspects of EPR Design. Both sides are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safety in the project." In a joint statement released at the end of talks, both countries welcomed the progress in the discussions between AREVA and NPCIL to finalise the contract for the construction of two EPR reactors at Jaitapur. Meanwhile, stepping up outreach on the Kudankulam nuclear plant issue, the Centre on Thursday announced a 15-member group of experts to clear "misconceptions" about the ambitious project hit by agitation. The group comprises specialists in areas including environmental science, radiation safety, oceanography, fisheries, thermal ecology and seismology.