IAEA chief meets PM Modi, says India a responsible nuclear power
New Delhi, October 23
Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and commended India’s impeccable record as a responsible nuclear power. He also highlighted India’s progress in nuclear science and technology, particularly in the development and deployment of indigenous nuclear power plants.
PM Modi stressed India’s enduring commitment to safe and secure use of atomic energy for peace and development and shared India’s ambition to enhance the share of environment-friendly nuclear power generation capacity as part of the country’s overall energy mix. Grossi acknowledged India’s global leadership role in civil nuclear applications for societal benefits.
This includes the progress in utilising nuclear technology to address the challenges faced by humankind, including those related to health, food, water treatment, plastic pollution and climate change. The PM and the IAEA DG also exchanged views on expanding the role of nuclear energy in meeting net zero commitments, including through small modular reactors and micro-reactors. It was with India’s support that Grossi was last month named for a second four-year term as IAEA DG.
Later, Grossi met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to exchange views on non-proliferation and international cooperation. India has supported the West and its allies on two important issues — Japan’s release of treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean and the AUKUS grouping’s plan to build six nuclear-powered submarines in Australia.
Expanding role of nuke energy
The PM and the IAEA DG exchanged views on expanding the role of nuclear energy in meeting net zero commitments, including through small modular reactors and micro-reactors.
