March 2nd 2022 India Statement Agenda 1 Special Board on Ukraine

Meeting of Board of Governors of the IAEA

(02 March 2022, Vienna)

Agenda Item – The Safety, Security and Safeguards implications of the situation in Ukraine

Statement by India

India is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in Ukraine. We call for an end to all hostilities. There is no other choice but to return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy.

We continue to carefully follow the developments in Ukraine regarding the safety and security of Ukraine’s nuclear power reactors and facilities, including the updates from DG, IAEA in this regard.

India recognizes the common aim of nuclear security and safety measures to protect human health, society, and environment; and acknowledges Agency’s statutory functions with respect to nuclear safety.

India shares the Agency’s concern that any nuclear and radiological incidents, accidents and emergencies may have potentially severe consequences for human health and the environment.

In this regard, India recalls the 2009 IAEA General Conference decision GC(53)/DEC/13 which recognizes the importance of safety, security and physical protection of nuclear material and nuclear facilities and protection of nuclear installations and earlier relevant Resolutions of the GC.

India further recognises that the Agency has an essential and independent role in applying safeguards in accordance with its statute and that nothing should be done to undermine the statutory authority of the Agency in this regard.

India appreciates the professional and impartial conduct of the Agency and its continuous efforts to ensure implementation of safeguards in an effective, non-discriminatory and efficient manner. We welcome the Director General's assertion that the Agency's safeguard activities in Ukraine are ongoing.

India requests Agency to continue to closely monitor the situation with regard to the safety and security of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities and keep the Board informed, as appropriate.