India to set up Global Centre for N-Energy Partnership: PM

Ajay Kaul
Washington, Apr 13 (PTI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
Tuesday announced a major Indian initiative to set up a
'Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership' for conducting
research and development of design systems that are
intrinsically safe, secure, proliferation resistant and
sustainable.
Addressing the Nuclear Security Summit convened by US
President Barack Obama here, Singh said the Centre will
consist of four Schools dealing with Advanced Nuclear Energy
System Studies, Nuclear Security, Radiation Safety and
application of Radioisotopes and Radiation Technology in areas
of healthcare, agriculture and food.
As soon as Singh announced the setting up of the centre,
President Obama intervened to welcome it and said: "this will
be one more tool to establish best practises" in the quest for
nuclear safety.
The Centre is visualised to be a state-of-the-art
facility based on international participation from IAEA and
other interested foreign partners.
It will conduct research and development of design
systems that are intrinsically safe, secure, proliferation
resistant and sustainable, the Prime Minister told leaders
from 47 countries.
Singh invited participation in the venture by other
countries and the International Atomic Energy Agency to make
the Centre's work a success.
India is continually upgrading technology to develop
nuclear systems that are intrinsically safe, secure and
proliferation resistant. It recently developed an Advanced
Heavy Water Reactor based on Low Enriched Uranium and thorium
with new safety and proliferation-resistant features.
As a founder member of the IAEA, India has consistently
supported the central role of the UN nuclear watchdog in
facilitating national efforts to strengthen nuclear security
and in fostering effective international cooperation.
India has so far conducted nine Regional Training Courses
on Nuclear Security in cooperation with the IAEA. PTI