Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday assured the world community that India will continue to attach the highest priority to nuclear security by bolstering its institutional framework further and taking a number of related measures.
In his intervention at the summit’s plenary session, Modi also informed that India will be making another $1 million contribution to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Nuclear Security Fund. India had pledged a like amount at the second summit in this series, held in Seoul in 2012. He also outlined plans to further strengthen the independence of the regulator and press more resources for technology upgrade and training of personnel engaged in nuclear security. India will coordinate with IAEA on training measures.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with his British and Canadian counterparts, David Cameron and Justin Trudeau.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s progressive shift away from use of material with radioactive potential, particularly in the medical field.
After the meeting with Cameron, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup tweeted that the two leaders discussed ways on “enhancing a vibrant partnership”.
Details of the meeting were awaited at the time of writing. Their meeting has come against the backdrop of a crisis in Britain’s steel industry after Tata Steel announced its decision to “explore all options for portfolio restructuring including the potential divestment of Tata Steel UK, in whole or in parts”.
Modi had last met Cameron in london last November, when the British Prime Minister made it a point to be personally present at Modi’s address to a large gathering of the Indian Diaspora at Wembley Stadium.
At his meeting with Trudeau, the Prime Minister extended an invitation to Canadian energy majors to participate in India’s proposed expansion of the hydrocarbons sector. He also extended an invitation to the new Canadian PM to visit India, which he readily accepted, saying he would like to pay a visit along with his family.