India rejects nuclear safety rating by Amercian think-tank
The government has pooh-poohed the conclusions of a survey conducted by an Amercian think-tank, the Nuclear Threat Initiative, which has rated it poorly on the nuclear safety index. It has said the findings are based on faulty methodology and incorrect information.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Mr Mathai said, “The report’s conclusions are based on a faulty methodology and unreliable information on issues relating to India”.
The index, ranked India very low, just above Iran, Pakistan and North Korea.
The foreign secretary’s remarks on the NTI 'findings' came during a briefing on the conclusion of the two-day preparatory meeting for the draft communique that is to be adopted at the Nuclear Safety Summit in Seoul in late March.
The preparatory 'Sherpas' meeting was held in New Delhi for the first time.
In a significant step, the Sherpas meet which saw participation by representatives from 49 countries decided to strengthen the nuclear material security regime with a focus on nuclear terrorism in the draft communique which it has prepared. The communique will be adopted at the Seoul meet.
On the think-tank’s report, Mathai remarked, “All nuke material in India is subject to strict oversight and controls. We’re party to all major international instruments on nuke security. We have an unblemished record in this field including the implementation of IAEA safeguards applicable to our civilian nuclear facilities.”
The foreign secretary added, “The government continues to maintain the strictest control over all nuclear materials. The report, as we see it, uses somewhat unreliable information.”
As for the Sherpas meet, he said that the main objective of the nuclear summit process has been to focus high-level global attention on the threat posed by nuclear terrorism and the measures required to address the global challenge of preventing terrorists and other non-state actors from gaining access to sensitive nuclear materials, technology and information.
The foreign secretary further said that the draft communique is a substantive document that seeks to reaffirm the Washington communique and build on the momentum that has been generated since the last summit.
He also said that among the topics being considered for inclusion in the Seoul summit outcome communiqué are measures to secure the management of highly enriched uranium, ensuring radiological security and combating illicit trafficking.
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