PM arrives in Washington

Washington, Apr 11 (PTI) India's Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh arrived here Sunday on a four-day visit during
which he will attend the Nuclear Security Summit on Monday and
meet President Barack Obama and some other world leaders.
At the Nuclear Summit to be attended by leaders of 46
other countries also, Singh is expected to pitch for firm
response to the challenges of proliferation and possibility of
terrorists gaining access to atomic material.
The Summit will discuss ways to strengthen global
initiatives for securing nuclear material and installations
amid concerns of terrorists gaining access to these.
Singh is expected to share India's apprehensions about
terrorists acquiring weapons of mass destruction
During the official-level deliberations, India will
raise concerns about the possibility of terrorists gaining
access to nuclear material in Pakistan.
The summit, an initiative of Obama, will focus on
dangers posed by clandestine proliferation and illicit
trafficking of nuclear material and the possibility of
terrorists acquiring atomic material.
Ahead of his visit, the prime minister said nuclear
terrorism and proliferation of sensitive technologies are
"legitimate concerns" which require "firm responses".
He emphasised the need for "highest standards of
security" in the nuclear field to reinforce public faith in
the benefit of atomic science.
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 in our conduct as a
responsible nuclear power."
The prime minister underlined that India has been a
consistent advocate of complete and universal global nuclear
disarmament.
Singh is also likely to propose setting up of an
International Nuclear Safety Centre in India.
India sees the summit and its associated preparatory
process as important elements in strengthening international
resolve to cooperate on nuclear security and supporting the
expanded use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. PTI