India puts four more nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards

India puts four more nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards: Details, Aim, Purpose, Highlights

India has decided to place four more reactors under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards.

It was announced Sekhar Basu, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) at 62nd General Conference of IAEA held in Vienna, Austria.

The four reactors include two Russian-designed Pressurised Light Water Reactors and two Pressurised Heavy Reactors being built with Indian technology. With this, a total of 26 Indian nuclear facilities will be now under IAEA safeguards.

IAEA Safeguards

They are a system of inspection and verification of peaceful uses of nuclear materials as part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

These safeguards mainly reiterates primacy to IAEA in its central role in the promotion of atomic energy for peaceful uses and prosperity of the mankind while maintaining its due support in safeguards. IAEA safeguards activities are undertaken by the Department of Safeguards, a separate department within IAEA.

Information Circular 66 (INFCIRC 66), an agreement between IAEA and member states provides for the conduct of limited safeguards within the member state. Under it, member states identifies facilities that are made available for IAEA Safeguards inspection.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

IAEA is an international organization that aims to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibits its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.

IAEA was established as an autonomous organization in 1957 through its own international treaty, the IAEA Statute. Its headquarters are in Vienna, Austria.

IAEA serves as international nuclear energy watchdog, independent of United Nations but reports to both United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Security Council (UNSC).