Anil Kakodkar at IAEA meeting; discussion of Indo-US deal doubtful

Sep 17: 144 member nations are meeting to attend the 50 th annual general meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna to discuss various issues related to nuclear energy’s control and development, which will last for 5 days.

Anil Kakodkar will address the meeting on 19 th September, who is the Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission. S Banerjee, Director Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and S K Sharma, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board Chairman will accompany Anil Kakodkar in the meeting.

This meeting holds significance amidst the opposition of the CPM leaders who does not want to take up the matter with IAEA.

But Anil Kakodkar is tightlipped weather he will discuss the India specific safeguards or not. This includes the controversial protocol which is needed for finally operationalising the Indo-US nuclear deal.

Operationalisation of the deal is necessary to meat the energy demand. This safeguard issue has to travel a lot before being finalised. In the whole process this deal should get the approval of the 45 Nuclear Supplier Group, and then the US Congress for its clearance finally.

US Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said "It is important that both India and the US complete these processes by working with International Atomic Energy Agency and Nuclear Suppliers' Group", he pointed towards India to fulfill the obligation on the nuclear issue.

While Chairing Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) Bodman Said, "We are looking forward to working with India”.

" India has lot of contribution in the development of technologies required under the GNEP and if they desire to join, we appreciate and will be successful in accommodating India," he told.

Sixteen member nations have so far signed the GNEP pact. GNEP aims at relieving the member nation to develop their fuel cycle by technological support, and guarantees to handle spent fuel. India did not attend the GNEP meeting.

Promotion of safe nuclear energy and new technologies for agriculture and medicine are likely to be taken for the discussion. Nuclear safety and security will be a key concern.

There is doubt that whether there will be discussion on the application of IAEA safeguards at Indian facilities or not, and also the dilemma of UPA government where remaining in the power has become doubtful.

The Left has insisted that there should be no negotiation with IAEA till the clouds are clear regarding the Hyde Act. Left Party believes that this deal will paralyse the economic and foreign policy of India.

These issues will be discussed during technical sessions at the general conference or the scientific forum.

International Atomic Energy Association seeks to promote peaceful use of nuclear energy. It is often referred as UN watchdog for nuclear issues. The IAEA has its headquarters in Vienna, Austria.