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

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Q: 88 (IAS/2018)
In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional Protocol’ with the ‘International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’?

question_subject: 

General Knowledge

question_exam: 

IAS

stats: 

0,85,64,85,27,29,8

keywords: 

{'iaea safeguards': [0, 0, 0, 2], 'international atomic energy agency': [0, 0, 3, 1], 'civilian nuclear reactors': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'nuclear suppliers group': [0, 0, 3, 2], 'additional protocol': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'iaea': [0, 0, 5, 1], 'uranium': [3, 0, 2, 0], 'military nuclear installations': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'indian context': [0, 1, 0, 2], 'nsg': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'inspection': [0, 0, 0, 2]}

The correct option among the given choices is option 1: The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.

Ratifying the Additional Protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has several implications for India. The Additional Protocol is an extension to the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) that India signed with IAEA in 2008. It aims to strengthen the safeguards system by providing IAEA with broader access to information and nuclear facilities.

Here are the implications of ratifying the Additional Protocol in the Indian context:

1. The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards: By ratifying the Additional Protocol, India has agreed to give IAEA access to its civilian nuclear facilities to ensure that they are being used for peaceful purposes and are not being diverted for military purposes. This helps to build confidence in the international community that India`s nuclear program is not aimed at developing nuclear weapons.

2. The military nuclear installations do not come under the inspection of IAEA: It is important to note that the Additional Protocol does not give IAEA access to India`s military nuclear installations. These installations remain outside the scope of IAEA safeguards.

3. The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG): The NSG is a group of countries that controls the export of nuclear materials and technology. By signing the Additional Protocol, India has demonstrated its commitment to nuclear non-proliferation, which is a requirement for NSG membership. India`s NSG membership can help it to access nuclear technology and materials from other member countries.

4. The country does not automatically become a member of the NSG: While signing the Additional Protocol is a step towards NSG membership, it does not guarantee automatic membership. NSG membership requires the consensus of all member countries, and India`s membership has been opposed by some countries due to its nuclear weapons program.

In summary, ratifying the Additional Protocol with the IAEA has several implications for India, including the extension of IAEA safeguards to its civilian nuclear facilities, the potential for NSG membership, and increased confidence in the international community regarding India`s nuclear program. However, it is important to note that the protocol does not give IAEA access to India`s military nuclear installations, and NSG membership is not guaranteed.

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