India to highlight country's nuclear security and safety at Seoul nuclear summit

New Delhi, Mar 23 (ANI): Prior to his departure to South Korea on Saturday, to attend the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit, Prime Minister Dr. Mannohan Singh on Friday said that India will highlight the country's nuclear security and safety in order to retain public support for harnessing the benefits of nuclear energy.

"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. This is even more important after the Fukushima accident in Japan last year," said Dr. Singh.

Expecting the summit to review actions taken by countries with respect to strengthening of nuclear security, Dr. Singh said he will focus on the high priority India attaches to nuclear security, safety and non-proliferation.

"I expect the Seoul Summit to review actions that countries have taken to strengthen nuclear security since we last met in Washington, and recommend further steps to enhance the global nuclear security architecture. India has prepared a national report 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," Dr. Singh added.

The Seoul Nuclear Security Summit follows the first Nuclear Security Summit 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.

India has been an active participant in carrying forward the Nuclear Security Summit initiative, and has also hosted a meeting in January 2012 in New Delhi. (ANI)