Question : Nuclear Agreements

(a) whether the Government has recently entered into agreements with some countries including the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Australia for co-operation in the field of nuclear energy;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the agreements also include exchange of nuclear technology and trade in nuclear material and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has also received suggestions for joining NPT/CTBT; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (Dr. JITENDRA SINGH):

(a) & (b) Government has recently signed the following agreements in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

(i) Agreement between the Government of India and the Government of Australia on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy signed on 05.09.2014 and entered into force with effect from 13.11.2015.

(ii) Agreement between the Government of India and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, signed on 13.11.2015

(c) Yes Sir. The scope of cooperation inter alia covers the supply of nuclear material, non-nuclear material, equipment, components or technology, training of personnel and transfer of technology, for peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

(d) &(e) No such suggestions have been received by the Government specifically. However, some countries make routine calls for universalisation of the NPT and for entry into force of the CTBT. There is no change in Government''s position on the NPT and the CTBT. As a responsible nuclear weapon State, India remains committed to global and verifiable nuclear disarmament as well as global non-proliferation objectives.


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