"India has very important nuclear power generation as...": IAEA Chief Grossi

New Delhi [India], October 23 (ANI): The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi called India's nuclear power generation as a part of its 2047 vision of a decarbonised economy "very" important and said that IAEA is collaborating with New Delhi in various sectors.
While speaking to ANI, Grossi said, "India has very important nuclear electricity generation as a part of its 2047 vision of a decarbonised economy. India is also partnering with us on issues related to cancer, food security, water management and others."
Grossi mentioned that he had discussed these matters including contemporary issues, such as developments in the Middle East, non-proliferation concerns with prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day.
"I discussed all these things with PM Modi today, and some of these aspects we focused on...We were covering some issues of the day, like what's happening in the Middle East, non-proliferation there, and the situation in the Indo-Pacific," he said.
"During the meeting with the PM, all this was part of the discussion, but also how India and IAEA will put these issues on the top of the international agenda...," he added.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, exploring ways to expand the role of nuclear energy in support of the net zero commitment.
The leaders also explored the application of nuclear technology in areas such as food production, healthcare, water treatment, and addressing plastic pollution, particularly in the Global South.
"Had a fruitful discussion with Director General @rafaelmgrossi on enhancing enduring partnership between India and @iaeaorg," PM Modi posted on social media platform X.
"Explored avenues for expanding the role of nuclear energy to meet our net zero commitment and extending nuclear technology applications in areas like food, health, water treatment and countering plastic pollution in the Global South," he added.
Regarding the upcoming Nuclear Energy Summit, Grossi highlighted India's need for prominent participation, given its ambitious plan.
"In March 2024, the Nuclear Energy Summit will take place, and India must be there at the highest place...India has an ambitious plan--a vision towards 2070 to decrease emissions...," he told ANI.
"There are new technologies and the emergence of small and microreactors that are easier to deploy and faster to come into service; this is of great interest to many developing countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean..." he said.
The IAEA Director General arrived in India on an official visit on Monday.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar also met International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi. The two discussed the developmental significance of nuclear energy and exchanged views on non-proliferation and international cooperation.
"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'.
The IAEA is a centre for cooperation in the nuclear field and seeks to promote the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies, as per the IAEA's official website.
Grossi assumed office as the IAEA's sixth Director General on December 3, 2019. In September 2023, the IAEA's 67th General Conference approved by acclamation his reappointment to serve a second four-year term of office starting December 3, 2023.
Grossi is a diplomat with almost 40 years of experience in the fields of non-proliferation and disarmament. In 2013, he was appointed Ambassador of Argentina to Austria and Argentine Representative to the IAEA and other Vienna-based international organisations, according to the IAEA website.
Meanwhile, 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. (ANI)