United Nations: India has warned against the use of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for "political ends" and said that effective measures should be evolved to check nuclear proliferation without constraining in any way the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Intervening in a debate on IAEA, Minister of State for External Affairs Rao Inderjit Singh told the United Nations General Assembly yesterday (Nov 1, 2004) that the world's nuclear watchdog should not be utilised for political ends beyond its original purpose "to promote safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies."

The role of IAEA promoting developmental programmes for the betterment of humankind by using nuclear technologies, he said, is unique and must be encouraged and expanded but it should operate within its technical expertise in a transparent manner.

He said measures should be evolved to check nuclear proliferation without constraining in any way the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and added India would be a partner in such an effort and shoulder the obligation flowing from it.

"... Efforts to prevent proliferation should not impose undue restrictions on the development and utilisation of nuclear energy," he said.

Referring to the strides made by India in development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, he said, "We have developed our capability in this area in a self-reliant manner and are fully conscious of the immense responsibilities that come with the possession of such advanced capabilities."