NEW DELHI: International Atomic Energy Agency (
IAEA) director general Rafael Mariano Grossi called on PM Narendra Modi here on Monday and “commended India’s impeccable record as a responsible nuclear power and its global leadership role in civil nuclear applications for societal benefit”.
During the meeting, PM Modi underscored India’s enduring commitment to safe and secure use of atomic energy for peace and development, a statement from the PMO said.
He also shared India’s ambitious goals to enhance the share of environmentally-friendly nuclear power generation capacity as part of the country's energy mix, the statement said. Both sides agreed to explore avenues of cooperation between India and IAEA for extending civil nuclear technology applications in the Global South. Views were also exchanged on expanding the role of nuclear energy in meeting net zero commitments, including through small modular reactors and micro reactors.
Grossi praised India’s progress in nuclear science and technology, particularly highlighting the development and deployment of indigenous nuclear power plants. He also acknowledged India’s global leadership role in civil nuclear applications. These include the progress India has made in utilising nuclear technology to address challenges, including those related to health, food, water treatment, plastic pollution and climate change. Grossi also lauded India for its training and capacity building programmes that have helped many countries, the statement said.
India has been a founding member of the IAEA since 1957. The country has served on the IAEA's board of governors since its inception.
Earlier in the day, external affairs minister S Jaishankar also met the IAEA DG. “Good to see my friend DG @iaeaorg @rafaelmgrossi today. I congratulated him on his reappointment. Discussed the developmental significance of nuclear energy. Also exchanged views on non-proliferation and international cooperation. India will always be a strong and reliable partner of IAEA," the EAM wrote on 'X'.
MEA secretary (East), Saurabh Kumar also met Grossi on Monday and held discussions on Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific and the role of the IAEA in promoting peaceful use of nuclear S&T in areas such as energy, health, food and agriculture.