United Nations: Observing that the country had made great strides in the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, India has said efforts to check proliferation should not impose restrictions on utilisation of its capability in the area and pledged to shoulder the obligation flowing from it.

"Efforts to prevent proliferation should not impose undue restrictions on the development and utilisation of nuclear energy," Minister of State for External Affairs Rao Inderjit Singh told the UN General Assembly yesterday (Nov 1, 2004) intervening in the debate on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Singh warned against the IAEA being 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, is unique and must be encouraged but it should operate within its technical expertise in a transparent manner, 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."

India, he told the 191-member Assembly, remains committed to the objective of non-proliferation. "As we continue to utilise our indigenous resources and capabilities to fulfil our national interests, we are doing in a way which meets the requirements" of this objective.