September 2022 66th GC IAEA India Statement Ukraine

India’s statement on Ukraine

(66th IAEA GC September 2022)

The safety, security, and safeguards implications of the situation in Ukraine (Item 22)

Mr. President,

India attaches high importance to ensuring the safety and security of nuclear facilities in Ukraine, as any accident involving nuclear facilities could potentially have severe consequences for public health and the environment.

2. India follows carefully developments regarding the safety and security of Ukraine’s nuclear power facilities, including regular updates from Director General, IAEA and his recent report on ‘Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards in Ukraine’.

3. We valueefforts by the DG to ensure the nuclear safety and security of Ukraine's nuclear facilities and support DG’sSeven Pillars of nuclear safety and security as derived from the IAEA safety standards and nuclear security guidance.

4.  We appreciate the recent visit of IAEA expert team led by the DG to the Zaphorizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. We note that the Agency has established its permanent presence at the ZNPP site. We have also taken note of the call by the DG for the urgent need to establish a nuclear safety and security protection zone around the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP)

5. With a view to not endangering the safety and security of the nuclear facilities and personnel working there, we reiterate our call for strict mutual restraint.

6. Since the commencement of the conflict in Ukraine, India has consistently called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and an end to violence. We have emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward.

7. We will continue to follow the updates by the DG IAEA on the matter.

Thank you.