Question 35 from UPSC CSE 2018 - Current Affairs

Question

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

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.

Strategy: This strategy focuses on the implications of the Additional Protocol with the IAEA within India's nuclear program. Key aspects include:

*   Examining the impact on **civilian nuclear reactors** under IAEA safeguards.
*   Recognizing India's established position of voluntarily submitting only civilian facilities to safeguards, specifically excluding military sites.
*   Disregarding considerations of NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group) membership or privileges, as these are indirect outcomes or unrelated to the direct effects of the Additional Protocol.

Key Info: The Additional Protocol is a legal document that grants the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expanded rights of access to information and sites. For India, its ratification in 2008 was a commitment made during the civil nuclear agreement process with the United States and the IAEA.

### Key Aspects of the Additional Protocol in India

*   **Scope**: It supplements India's existing safeguards agreement with the IAEA, applying specifically to its designated civilian nuclear facilities.
*   **Monitoring**: These civilian facilities are voluntarily placed under international atomic energy monitoring.
*   **Exclusions**: Military facilities are explicitly excluded from these safeguards; only civilian reactors identified by India are open to inspections.
*   **Verification**: Inspected facilities are subject to international verification concerning the non-diversion of nuclear material for weapons use.
*   **Purpose**: Ratification serves as a measure of transparency and assurance.

### Relationship with the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)

*   The Additional Protocol does not directly confer NSG membership or privileges.
*   However, India's broader safeguards agreement facilitated the NSG waiver in 2008.
*   The NSG is a multinational export control regime for nuclear materials and technology; India is not a member.
*   The Protocol itself does not grant NSG membership or directly enable uranium purchases, though it was a prerequisite for the 2008 NSG waiver.

### About the IAEA

*   The IAEA is an autonomous international organization under the United Nations system.
*   It is responsible for promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and ensuring non-proliferation via safeguards agreements and protocols.

Answer

Option B: The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.

Answer

Option C: The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Answer

Option D: The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.