Q. In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional Protocol’ with the ‘International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’?

  • The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.
  • The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA
  • The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
  • The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.

Answer: (a) The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.

Notes:
  • The Additional Protocol is not a stand-alone agreement, but rather a protocol to a safeguards agreement that provides additional tools for verification.
  • In particular, it significantly increases the IAEA’s ability to verify the peaceful use of all nuclear material in States with comprehensive safeguards agreements.
  • India signed the Additional Protocol (AP) to the IAEA safeguards agreement on May 15, 2009.
  • An Additional Protocol (AP) to the Safeguards Agreement between the Government of India and the IAEA for the Application of Safeguards to Civilian Nuclear Facilities entered into force on 25 July 2014.
  • The ratification of additional protocol will ensure the collection of data of India’s nuclear exports, to guarantee that the material is not diverted for unauthorised use.