India in global civil nuke group win-win situation: Kakodkar

Vienna, Aug 1 (UNI) India today said its integration into the global civil nuclear community is a ''win-win situation'' for all and assured the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that its national export controls will remain ''at par with the best international standards''.

''Global efforts to promote energy security, sustainable development and effective non-proliferation will stand to gain with India as a partner of the IAEA,'' Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, Anil Kakodkar said in a statement at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting here .

''This is an important day for India and a significant milestone in the long-standing cooperation between India and the Agency. We pledge our support to further strengthening the Agency's role in promoting international cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, which is so critical to ensuring a clean and secure energy future,'' he further stated.

He said India has a principled and consistent position on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament issue. ''We remain committed in our commitment to realise the vision of the Rajiv Gandhi Action Plan for universal, non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament, leading to complete elimination of nuclear weapons.'' Dr Kakodkar assured the IAEA that India will implement the safeguards agreement in strict accordance with its provisions. ''In implementing this agreement, India and the Agency can build on the excellent cooperative relations that have existed between us.'' He said the pursuit of the goal of energy security is one of the most pressing challanges for India, which has registered an economic growth of nine per cent in the recent years. To sustain this growth, India would have to ensure the availablity of an adequate quantum of energy.

''Even when we explore alternative sources of energy, such as hydropower and solar, only nuclear energy has the potential to make a major contribution towards satisfying India's requirements and at the same time, address the global challanges of energy security and climate change.'' UNI XC/SMA SBC CS2207