The U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in its review report that India needs a “national policy” for nuclear safety and radioactive waste management, and needs more “internal emergency arrangements.”
The IAEA review came at the invitation of the Indian government after it concluded handing over its civilian nuclear reactors for international scrutiny, and submitted to IAEA requirements for accounting for spent fuel and other nuclear processes. India has also completed its “policy issues” with the U.S. over administrative arrangements for the India-U.S. civilian nuclear deal, paving the way for nuclear trade to begin.
At the end of his visit, Director General Yukiya Amano met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. Nuclear trade for reactors and fuel would be a part of Mr. Modi’s discussions when he visits France and Canada next month. India is also keen to get backing for a future bid for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, which it has been kept out of as New Delhi has refused to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). All 93 signatories will be meeting at a conference at the UN in April and May, which will be significant ahead of the NSG’s annual conference in June.
