June 2022 India Statement Agenda 2 Annual Report 2021

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International Atomic Energy Agency

Board of Governors’ Meetings (06 June, 2022)

Agenda Item 3: The Annual Report for 2021

Statement by Sh. Jaideep Mazumdar ,  Ambassador  of India

Chairperson,

We associate ourselves with the statement delivered by the distinguished Ambassador of Morocco on behalf of G-77 and China and would like to make the following additional remarks.

Chairperson

The overview contained in the Annual Report for 2021 is testimony to the Agency’s important work in many fields of nuclear science. India attaches great importance to the Agency’s work. We contribute to these activities through participation in Technical Meetings and Coordinated Research Projects.

We recognise the growing demand for nuclear technologies by Member States to meet their sustainable development goals. The Agency’s program and contribution under Nuclear Applications in food and agriculture, human health and nutrition, water resources management, protection of the environment, to name a few areas, are of immense benefit to developing countries. India will continue to provide its support to these Agency programs through deputing our experts, hosting of Technical Meetings and offering training slots to Member States in reputed institutions in India such as the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership.

Chairperson,

We appreciate the Agency’s active presence at the 26th session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework on the Convention on Climate Change (COP 26). Timely publication of two documents before COP26 highlighting the role of nuclear power for decarbonizing energy and nuclear technologies for climate adaptation and resilience, launch of agency wide platform on small modular reactors and their applications, and the series of conferences and seminars on health care and food security exhibited the traditional strengths of the Agency.  The technical meeting on artificial intelligence for nuclear technology and applications is testimony to the Agency’s adaptability and positioning for the future.

Nuclear power remains an important option to meet the challenges of increasing energy demand, to address climate change concerns and ensure energy security. India pursues a low-carbon growth model and being fully committed to the Paris Agreement, considers nuclear power as an important contributor for addressing our climate goals. As part of our overall energy security and clean energy policy, India plans rapid expansion of nuclear power generation capacity over the next decades. We encourage the Agency to further emphasize the role of nuclear power in the mitigation of climate change at various fora and by using various channels at its disposal.

Chairperson,

We take note of the Agency’s important work in improving global nuclear safety and security. In this regard, we appreciate the review and publication of safety standards and security guidance that sets an international reference point for nuclear safety and security. 

We appreciate the efforts of the Agency to quickly adapt to the need for remote functioning imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and note that the agency continued to deliver on its mandate in diverse areas despite the challenges of the pandemic situation.

Chairperson,

With these comments, we take note of the Annual Report for 2021, as contained in document GOV/2022/8 and endorse its transmission to the General Conference.

I thank you.