Question

UPSC Prelims 2018 Question:

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

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

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1: The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

The Additional Protocol (AP) with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 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.
The AP vastly expands the obligation of signatories to provide complete information about their nuclear programme to the Agency and allows international inspectors much greater physical access to locations within a country than an ordinary safeguards agreement.
The IAEA had in March 2009 approved an additional protocol to India’s safeguards agreement consequent to a pact reached with the agency the previous year to place its civilian nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards.

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Polity | International Relations

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