New Delhi, April 10: As he prepared to embark tomorrow on a visit to the US to participate in the Nuclear Security Summit, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said nuclear terrorism and proliferation of sensitive technologies are “legitimate concerns” which require “firm responses”.
In a pre-departure statement here, he emphasised the need for “highest standards of security” in the nuclear field to reinforce public faith in the benefit of atomic science.
The two-day Summit on April 12-13, an initiative of US president Barack Obama, will focus on dangers posed by clandestine proliferation and illicit trafficking of nuclear material and the possibility of terrorists acquiring atomic material.
Singh is expected to share India”s apprehensions about terrorists acquiring weapons of mass destruction. The threat is greater in Pakistan, where nuclear material is believed to be not too safe.
“India welcomes President Obama”s initiative to hold a Summit on Nuclear Security,” said Singh, who will join leaders of 42 other countries in discussing ways to strengthen global initiatives for securing nuclear material and installations amid concerns of terrorists gaining access to these.
Singh said he expected the Summit to focus on nuclear terrorism and proliferation of sensitive nuclear materials and technologies.
“These are legitimate concerns which require firm responses,” the Prime Minister said.
Noting that nuclear energy was poised to play a growing role in addressing the developmental challenges of the present times, he said, “This will be possible only if we, as individual nations, and as a global community ensure the highest standards of security which reinforce public faith in the benefits of nuclear science.”
He pointed out that India was an important stakeholder in this global endeavour. Talking about India”s well developed and indigenous nuclear energy programme, which dates back six decades, Singh said, “We have an impeccable record of security, safety and non-proliferation which reflects our conduct as a responsible nuclear power.”
He underlined that India has been a consistent advocate of complete and universal global nuclear disarmament.
“We were among the first countries in the world to call for a world free of nuclear weapons. I am encouraged by the fact that this approach is finding greater resonance today,” he said, adding India will continue to call for more meaningful progress in this direction.
—–Agencies