By Manish Chand, IANS,
Washington: Underlining New Delhi’s “impeccable record” in non-proliferation, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday unveiled an ambitious plan to set up a global centre for nuclear security in India and called for “zero tolerance” for those engaged in trafficking of nuclear materials.
“I am happy to announce on this occasion that we have decided to set up a Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership in India,” Manmohan Singh told 47 world leaders gathered at the Nuclear Security Summit.
The new centre will consist of four schools dealing with Advanced Nuclear Energy System Studies, Nuclear Security, Radiation Safety, and the application of Radioisotopes and Radiation Technology in the areas of healthcare, agriculture and food.
It will conduct research and development of design systems that are intrinsically safe, secure, proliferation resistant and sustainable.
“We would welcome participation in this venture by your countries, the IAEA and the world to make this Centre’s work a success,” said Manmohan Singh in his intervention.
“The world community should join hands to eliminate the risk of sensitive and valuable materials and technologies falling into hands of terrorists and illicit traffickers,” he said.
“There should be zero tolerance for individuals and groups which engage in illegal trafficking in nuclear items,” Manmohan Singh stressed.