76^th session of UN General Assembly

Agenda Item 91: Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency 

(17 November 2021)

INDIA STATEMENT

by

Mr. A. Amarnath, Counsellor

Mr. President, 

I thank you for giving me the floor. Today’s discussion is a reflection of the crucial role played by IAEA in supporting member states in their pursuit of nuclear power in a safe and secure manner and in providing technical assistance to member states. 

India supports the General Assembly’s unanimous adoption of the annual report of the Agency, which remains a valuable document for member states and other stakeholders in understanding the work conducted by the Agency. 

We thank Republic of Korea for tabling the resolution (A/76/L.10) on “Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency”, which we have co-sponsored. We welcome/ look forward to its consensus adoption. 

We congratulate Saint Kitts and Nevis for their membership of IAEA. We also welcome the appointment of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India as External Auditor of the Agency for the period 2022–2027. 

Mr. President, 

IAEA has a critical role in the promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear energy for sustainable development and prosperity. Few weeks ago, world leaders were gathered in Glasgow to discuss the challenges posed by climate change and

ways to address them. It is becoming increasingly clear that nuclear energy could play an important role for member states to meet their energy needs in a sustainable way. Therefore, continuation of IAEA’s support to Member States embarking on or expanding their nuclear energy programs is vital. 

India has also made considerable progress in augmenting its nuclear power capacity. The first indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) at Kakrapar was successfully synchronized with the grid in January 2021. 10 more indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors would be set-up in fleet mode. These form an important component of our commitment to increase India’s non-fossil fuel energy capacity in by 2030.

Mr. President, 

India attaches great importance to the Agency’s work in nuclear science, especially its application in various sectors like agriculture, health, water management, environment etc. Our contribution to the renovation of the Agency’s Nuclear Applications Laboratories at Seibersdorf is a reflection of this importance. 

India too has made significant strides in the field of nuclear applications. To cite an example, one of our national institutes has initiated Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell therapy in India, which has brought down the cost of cancer treatment from half-a-million dollars to just 30,000 dollars. 

Mr. President,

IAEA’s work in helping member states deal with the COVID-19 pandemic is commendable. The ZODIAC project, which will better prepare countries to deal with future pandemic outbreaks, is a testament to the forward-looking work of the Agency. 

We appreciate the support extended to Member States by the Agency to enhance their capacities. India has contributed to the Agency’s technical co-operation program by seconding experts and offering training slots in our reputed institutions for experts from other Member States. We will continue to provide this support to the Agency’s programs. 

India has also supported R&D activities of IAEA by participating and hosting Technical Meetings and Coordinated Research Projects. In partnership with IAEA, we had hosted a meeting on Strategies and opportunities for the management of Spent fuel from power reactors and a training workshop on National Infrastructure assessments to support new research reactor projects in 2020. 

India is part of IAEA’s Response and Assistance Network, which offers assistance to member states to mitigate the consequences of nuclear and radiological emergencies. India’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities are now available to all partner countries during an emergency. This reflects our commitment to strengthen the international framework and cooperation in this domain. 

India has made huge progress in utilization of radiation technologies for the common good of its own people. In the spirit of our philosophy of “World is one family”, we have been sharing our knowledge and expertise in this area through IAEA. India has also been enhancing its cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy with other member states, including on applications of nuclear technologies that can make a positive impact on human quality of life. 

Mr. President,

Let me conclude by appreciating the dynamic role played by the IAEA in guiding peaceful uses of nuclear energy and ensuring nuclear safety and security. We look forward to the Agency’s continued support to member states for providing a conducive atmosphere for the growth of nuclear science and technology. 

I thank you. 

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