Yukio Amano meets PM Modi; seeks Calls for more autonomy for AERB

India has a “strong commitment to safety” but the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) needs more independence and separation from the government, the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency has said after completing a 12-day review of India’s nuclear safety standards. The IAEA’s review report, that was completed as Director General Yukio Amano visited Mumbai, Delhi, and the Rajasthan Atomic Power Stattion (RAPS), also called for the Indian government to allow more on-site inspections at the nuclear power plants (NPPs) under international safeguards.

According to a release from the IAEA in Vienna, six preliminary suggestions were given at the end of the review which were accepted by the Indian agency. The Chairman of the AERB S.S. Bajaj was quoted as saying, “AERB is committed to pursuing the improvements suggested by the mission towards further strengthening the regulatory framework.” Among other suggestions, the international agency said

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 US over administrative arrangements for the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal, paving the way for nuclear trade to begin.

At the end of his visit, IAEA chief Yukio Amano met with PM Modi in Delhi. Nuclear trade for reactors and fuel would be a part of PM Narendra Modi’s discussions when he visits France and Canada next month. India is also keen to get backing for a future bid for membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group, which it has been kept out of as India has refused to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). All 93 signatories to the

NPT will be meeting at a major review conference at the United Nations in April and May, which will be significant ahead of the NSG’s annual conference in June.