IAEA Chief Praises India’s Cancer Care, Backs NSG Membership

During his recent visit to India, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), hailed the country’s global standing in nuclear energy as “indisputable.”

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. File image/ AP

In an interview with The Economic Times, Grossi expressed strong support for India’s bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), a 48-member body dedicated to preventing nuclear proliferation by controlling the export of nuclear materials and technology.

He stressed that nations with significant nuclear programs and a commitment to responsible nuclear trade should be included in the NSG.

Recalling his tenure as NSG president, Grossi remarked, “We got very close,” noting that India’s membership was hindered not by its own qualifications but by “the multilateral dynamics at the time.” Some countries, including China and New Zealand, had previously voiced concerns over India’s entry into the group.

Grossi’s visit also aligned with his participation in the Raisina Dialogue, a geopolitical forum aimed at enhancing India-IAEA cooperation in areas such as nuclear energy and cancer treatment.

During his visit, he commended India's proficiency in cancer treatment and declared, “I am proud to recognize Tata Memorial as an IAEA Rays of Hope Anchor Centre.” He highlighted India's leadership in the Global South and its capacity to share cancer care expertise worldwide, stating, “With this partnership, we will bring India’s know-how to regions that need it the most.”

The Tata Memorial Centre, a leading cancer treatment institution, has been designated as the newest Rays of Hope Anchor Centre, becoming the seventh in the Asia-Pacific region.

This addition brings the total number of such centres worldwide to 11, serving as hubs for information exchange and capacity building to enhance cancer care access, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

In the field of civil nuclear energy, Grossi inaugurated the SN Bose Building at the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) and launched a certificate course in nuclear engineering in collaboration with India’s Department of Atomic Energy.

He highlighted the importance of a skilled workforce in supporting the growth of nuclear energy, especially in Asia, stating, “India is an important nuclear country, and the IAEA partnering with the DAE at GCNEP will help train the next generation of workers.”

Grossi also held discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, and DAE Secretary, Ajit Kumar Mohanty. Speaking on India’s expanding nuclear program, he remarked, “India’s civil nuclear programme—from power to health and agriculture—is growing rapidly. As a leading nation of the Global South, it plays an important role in shaping the future of nuclear science .”

His visit followed India's announcement of plans to construct five compact modular reactors, highlighting its dedication to advancing nuclear technology.

(This Article was originally published by First Post)