MEA Secy Holds Talks with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi on Peaceful Nuclear Applications

Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs, held a meeting with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday. They engaged in discussions on a range of topics of mutual interest, focusing on enhancing cooperation between India and the IAEA.

The discussions encompassed issues such as Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, and the IAEA’s role in promoting the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology in areas like energy, healthcare, food, and agriculture.

Arindam Bagchi, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, shared the meeting on social media platform X, stating, “Secy (East) @AmbSaurabhKumar met DG @iaeaorg @rafaelmgrossi in New Delhi today.” He elaborated on the topics covered, which included strengthening cooperation between India and the IAEA, nuclear non-proliferation, and regional matters like Ukraine, JCPOA, and the Indo-Pacific.

Rafael Grossi, the IAEA Director General, arrived in India on an official visit. Arindam Bagchi welcomed him and expressed optimism about strengthening India-IAEA relations across various sectors.

Additionally, India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met with Rafael Grossi. They discussed the developmental significance of nuclear energy and exchanged views on non-proliferation and international cooperation. EAM Jaishankar commended Grossi on his reappointment and reaffirmed India’s commitment to being a reliable partner for the IAEA.

The IAEA, as a center for nuclear cooperation, aims to advance the safe, secure, and peaceful utilization of nuclear technologies. Rafael Grossi took office as the IAEA’s Director General in December 2019, with his reappointment for a second four-year term beginning in December 2023. Grossi, a seasoned diplomat with nearly 40 years of experience in non-proliferation and disarmament, previously served as Argentina’s Ambassador to Austria and its Representative to the IAEA and other Vienna-based international organizations.

India has been a founding member of the IAEA since 1957 and has been part of the IAEA’s Board of Governors since its inception. Other member countries include Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, the UK, and the US.

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