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"India is expanding its nuclear power programme
to diversify its energy mix and enhance energy
security. In order to retain public support for
harnessing the benefits of nuclear energy, we
must be able to assure them of the highest levels
of nuclear security and safety," he said
in his departure statement before leaving for
Seoul Mar 24 for the Nuclear Safety Summit March
26-27 and paying an official visit to South Korea
March 24-25.
The need for nuclear security and safety was
"even more important after the Fukushima
accident in Japan last year", he added.
Manmohan Singh pointed out in this context that
India had prepared a national report on enhancing
the global nuclear security architecture "which
will be shared during the summit".
"I will highlight the high priority we attach
to nuclear security, safety and non-proliferation,
and our impeccable record in this regard. I also
intend to underline India's continuing support
for a world free of nuclear weapons," the
prime minister added.
Noting that the Seoul summit follows the first
edition convened by US President Barack Obama
in Washington in April 2010 "to focus attention
of countries with considerable nuclear capabilities
on the threat posed by nuclear terrorism",
Manmohan Singh added: "This remains a continuing
concern."
"India has been an active participant in
carrying forward the Nuclear Security Summit initiative,
and has also hosted a Sherpa meeting in January
2012 in New Delhi," he said.
Sherpas are the interlocutors who represent the
various heads of state and government in preparing
for the summit. Manmohan Singh's Sherpa is Planning
Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia.
The summit would also provide the opportunity
to exchange views with a number of world leaders
who will be attending the conclave, he said.
Manmohan Singh said he looked forward to his
bilateral meeting with South Korean President
Lee Myung-bak, at whose invitation he is making
the May 24-25 official visit "to undertake
a comprehensive review" of relations between
the two countries "and identify new steps
for the future".
With South Korea being a strategic partner and
an important pillar of India's "Look East"
policy, "we have a vibrant trade and investment
relationship. Our partnership in science &
technology, education and energy holds enormous
promise", the prime minister said.
"As members of various multilateral forums
such as the East Asia Summit and G-20, our two
countries have shared interests on a range of
emerging political, security and economic issues.
I will use my meeting with President Lee to exchange
views on important regional and international
developments. I also look forward to meeting leading
Korean business leaders, who play a key role in
bringing our two countries together," Manmohan
Singh added.
(IANS)
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