N-terror legitimate concern, require firm response: PM

New Delhi, Apr 9 (PTI) As he prepared to embark Saturday
on a visit to the US to participate in the Nuclear Security
Summit, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday said
nuclear terrorism and proliferation of sensitive technologies
are "legitimate concerns" which require "firm responses".
In a pre-departure statement here, he emphasised the need
for "highest standards of security" in the nuclear field to
reinforce public faith in the benefit of atomic science.
The two-day Summit on April 12-13, an initiative of US
president Barack Obama, will focus on dangers posed by
clandestine proliferation and illicit trafficking of nuclear
material and the possibility of terrorists acquiring atomic
material.
Singh is expected to share India's apprehensions about
terrorists acquiring weapons of mass destruction. The threat
is greater in Pakistan, where nuclear material is believed to
be not too safe.
"India welcomes President Obama's initiative to hold a
Summit on Nuclear Security," said Singh, who will join leaders
of 42 other countries in discussing ways to strengthen global
initiatives for securing nuclear material and installations
amid concerns of terrorists gaining access to these.
Singh said he expected the Summit to focus on nuclear
terrorism and proliferation of sensitive nuclear materials and
technologies.
"These are legitimate concerns which require firm
responses," the Prime Minister said.
Noting that nuclear energy was poised to play a growing
role in addressing the developmental challenges of the present
times, he said, "This will be possible only if we, as
individual nations, and as a global community ensure the
highest standards of security which reinforce public faith in
the benefits of nuclear science."
He pointed out that India was an important stakeholder in
this global endeavour.
Talking about India's well developed and indigenous
nuclear energy programme, which dates back six decades, Singh
said, "We have an impeccable record of security, safety and
non-proliferation which reflects our conduct as a responsible
nuclear power."
He underlined that India has been a consistent advocate
of complete and universal global nuclear disarmament.
"We were among the first countries in the world to call
for a world free of nuclear weapons. I am encouraged by the
fact that this approach is finding greater resonance today,"
he said, adding India will continue to call for more
meaningful progress in this direction. (MORE) PTI MS
RBT


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