The Hindu Business Line : PM calls for peaceful use of N-power without proliferation

The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, addressing the Golden Jubilee Commemoration function at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research at Kalpakkam near Chennai on Saturday. - Vino John

Chennai , Oct. 23

THE Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, has called upon the nations exploiting nuclear energy to come together for a constructive dialogue to stem nuclear proliferation without constraining peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

The Prime Minister was addressing the launch of the commercial phase of India's fast breeder programme and the launch of the 500-MW `fast breeder reactor project' at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, about 75 km south of Chennai on the East Coast.He said that as a responsible nuclear power, India will continue to utilise this technology in its national interest. But it will do so in a manner that "is not contrary to the larger goals of nuclear non-proliferation."

The limitations of the present non-proliferation regime should not be further accentuated by artificial restrictions on peaceful nuclear applications. Technology denial and closing avenues for international cooperation in such an important field are tantamount to the denial of developmental benefits to millions of people who can benefit from nuclear energy and relevant technologies, he said.

India will not be the source of proliferation of sensitive technologies and will safeguard the technologies that it possesses. It will remain faithful to this approach, as it has been for several decades, despite the well-known and glaring examples of proliferation that has directly affected our security interests, he said.

"India is now a nuclear power. But a responsible nuclear power fully conscious of the immense responsibility that comes with the possession of advanced technologies, both civilian and strategic," Dr Singh said. The founding principles of `atoms for peace' were subverted by restrictions derived from "an ineffective non-proliferation regime." Despite the externally imposed limitations and constraints, the scientists of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) have excelled time and again in demonstrating India's capabilities, which were of the highest standards in the globe, he said.

"Constraining those who are responsible amounts, in effect, to rewarding those who are irresponsible. The international community must face up to the implication of this choice. We, in India, are willing to shoulder our share of international obligations, provided our legitimate interests are met. India has actively embraced globalisation. There is no reason why nuclear energy production should be an exception," Dr Singh said.

At the event, which also coincided with the commemoration of the golden jubilee of the DAE, the Prime Minister recalled the contributions of the founders of the nuclear programme, including Dr Homi Bhabha. The DAE is involved in the entire gamut of research from fundamental to developmental applications in health, industry, food and water desalination, which are beneficialto the common man.

Energy security is of vital importance for economic growth. Nuclear energy is not only cost effective, but is also a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, and a cushion against fluctuations in oil prices. Nuclear power accounts for only 2 per cent of the overall installed capacity in India. The country has now launched a programme to generate 20,000 MW of nuclear power by 2020. In 2008, it will add 4,000 MW, including the two 1,000-MW reactors at Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu.

The Prime Minister said that the commencement of work on the fast breeder reactor is a crucial step in enhancing India's nuclear power, and puts the country among the select group of countries who have mastered this technology.

India is now in a position to use technologies for launching the next stage of its nuclear programme based on utilising thorium.

According to scientists, India has enough reserves of thorium to provide energy for the next two to three centuries.

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