India At UNSC Voices Caution About Safety Of Ukrainian Nuclear Plant
United Nations/New Delhi, Mar 4: Amid concerns over the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine after fighting erupted there, India on Friday said it attaches the highest importance to ensuring safety and security of nuclear facilities as any accident can have severe consequences. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, TS Tirumurti, in his address at a UN Security Council briefing on Ukraine, said that India continues to carefully follow the developments regarding the safety and security of Ukraine’s nuclear power reactors and facilities.
“India attaches highest importance to ensuring safety and security of the nuclear facilities as any accident involving the nuclear facilities may have severe consequences for public health and the environment,” he cautioned. India’s comments came as Russia took control of Europe’s largest nuclear power station in Ukraine, the Zaporizhzhia plant, after it was hit by shelling by Russian troops. A fire also started at the Zaporizhzhia plant after the shelling. However, the UN’s nuclear watchdog said radiation levels and the safety of reactors were not affected.
Tirumurti also said that India attaches the highest priority to the discharge by the IAEA of its safeguards and monitoring activities, in an effective, non-discriminatory and efficient manner.
“We have also noted the latest information available with regard to the nuclear power plants and facilities in Ukraine, including today’s updates provided by the DG, IAEA on the current situation.”
He also raised the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, including the safety and security of Indian nationals in Ukraine.
“We therefore hope that the second round of talks between the two sides contributes to the immediate establishment of a safe humanitarian corridor,” he said. He cited PM Modi’s conversation with the Russian and Ukrainian leaders to stress that differences must be resolved through sustained dialogue and diplomacy.
“Commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, to international law and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states are key principles in this regard.” India also voiced regret that the situation in Ukraine has worsened further and called for an immediate end to the violence and hostilities.
