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Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has recently voiced strong support for India’s ambition to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), a critical 48-member organization tasked with preventing nuclear proliferation through stringent regulations on the export of nuclear materials and technology. This endorsement arrives amidst growing international recognition of India's significant strides in nuclear energy and its commitment to responsible nuclear practices. Grossi's stance highlights the evolving dynamics within the global nuclear landscape, where India's role is increasingly seen as pivotal for ensuring both the peaceful application of nuclear technology and the prevention of its misuse. The NSG, established in 1974 in response to India's first nuclear test, aims to control the export of materials, equipment, and technology that could be used to develop nuclear weapons. Membership in the NSG is considered crucial for countries seeking to engage in international nuclear trade, enabling access to advanced technologies and resources. India's persistent efforts to gain NSG membership have faced hurdles, primarily due to concerns raised by some nations, including China and New Zealand, regarding its non-signatory status to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). However, Grossi's advocacy underscores a shift in perspective, acknowledging India's impeccable track record and its commitment to responsible nuclear behavior. Grossi's assertion that countries with substantial nuclear projects and a dedication to responsible nuclear commerce should be welcomed into the NSG directly addresses the core concerns surrounding India's application. He emphasizes that India's contributions to the field of nuclear energy, coupled with its stringent safety protocols and commitment to non-proliferation, outweigh the historical challenges posed by its non-NPT membership. His remarks suggest that the NSG should prioritize practical considerations and verifiable actions over strict adherence to formal agreements, recognizing that excluding responsible nuclear states like India could undermine the group's overall effectiveness. During his recent visit to India, coinciding with his participation in the Raisina Dialogue, a prominent geopolitical conference, Grossi also lauded India's remarkable advancements in cancer care. He specifically praised the Tata Memorial Centre, a leading cancer treatment facility, as an IAEA Rays of Hope Anchor Centre, acknowledging India's expertise in this critical area. This recognition signifies India's pivotal role in disseminating cancer care knowledge and resources to underserved regions, particularly in the Global South. The IAEA's Rays of Hope initiative aims to enhance cancer care access and capacity development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, by establishing a network of anchor centers that serve as hubs for information exchange and training. By designating the Tata Memorial Centre as an anchor center, the IAEA acknowledges India's significant contributions to cancer treatment and its commitment to sharing its expertise with the world. This partnership promises to bridge the gap in cancer care access, ensuring that patients in resource-constrained settings benefit from India's innovative approaches and skilled medical professionals. Grossi's visit also included the dedication of the SN Bose Building at the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP), along with the establishment of a certificate course in nuclear engineering in collaboration with India's Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). These initiatives underscore the importance of workforce development in sustaining the growth of nuclear energy, particularly in Asia. Recognizing India's vital role in the nuclear sector, the IAEA's partnership with the DAE at GCNEP aims to train the next generation of nuclear professionals, ensuring a skilled workforce capable of operating and maintaining nuclear facilities safely and efficiently. The growing demand for nuclear energy, driven by the need for clean and reliable power sources, necessitates a robust pipeline of qualified personnel. By investing in nuclear education and training, India and the IAEA are laying the foundation for a sustainable and responsible nuclear future. India's ambitious plans to construct five compact modular reactors further demonstrate its commitment to advancing nuclear technology. These reactors, designed for enhanced safety and efficiency, represent a significant step towards diversifying India's energy mix and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. The modular design of these reactors allows for flexible deployment and scalability, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including power generation, desalination, and industrial process heat. By embracing innovative nuclear technologies, India is positioning itself as a leader in the global nuclear energy sector, contributing to the development of cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions. The consistent theme throughout Grossi's visit was that India possesses a robust, growing, and crucially responsible civil nuclear program. He acknowledged the importance of this program for applications ranging from electrical power generation, to health initiatives such as cancer treatment, to developments in agriculture, highlighting the significant role India plays in shaping the future of nuclear science as a leading nation of the Global South. Grossi’s meetings with India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, and DAE Secretary, Ajit Kumar Mohanty, further reinforced the strong partnership between India and the IAEA. These discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in various areas, including nuclear safety, security, and safeguards, as well as promoting the peaceful applications of nuclear technology. The ongoing dialogue between India and the IAEA underscores their shared commitment to responsible nuclear governance and the advancement of nuclear science for the benefit of humanity. India's continued engagement with the IAEA is essential for ensuring the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technology, both domestically and globally. The convergence of Grossi's support for India's NSG membership, his recognition of India's leadership in cancer care, and his emphasis on workforce development in the nuclear sector, paints a comprehensive picture of India's evolving role in the global nuclear landscape. India's commitment to responsible nuclear practices, its expertise in nuclear technology, and its dedication to sharing its knowledge and resources with the world, make it a valuable partner in promoting the peaceful and safe use of nuclear energy. As India continues to advance its nuclear program and expand its international collaborations, it is poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of nuclear science and technology.
Source: IAEA chief lauds India’s cancer care, wants country in NSG