Media release

1 August 2008

IAEA-India Safeguards Agreement

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors will meet in Vienna tonight (Australian time) to consider the recommendation of the Director General of the IAEA that the safeguards agreement between the IAEA and India be concluded.

Australia is one of the 35 members of the Board.

After careful consideration, the Australian Government has formed the view that the safeguards agreement is a positive step which will strengthen nuclear non-proliferation efforts and is consistent with the non-proliferation objectives of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Accordingly, Australia will support the Director General’s recommendation.

The agreement will expand very significantly the application of international safeguards to India’s nuclear facilities. Under the agreement, India undertakes that civilian nuclear facilities covered by the agreement will not be used for military purposes. The IAEA will verify that undertaking and India’s adherence to nuclear safeguards.

Australia strongly supports international efforts to strengthen nuclear non-proliferation and remains committed to universal adherence to the NPT. Australia will continue to encourage those States not party to the NPT, including India, to join the Treaty.

The Australian Government’s position remains very firmly that it will not supply uranium to countries that are not a party to the NPT.

Australia is also a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) which later this month will consider its approach to the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Initiative between the United States and India.

Australia will approach the discussions in the NSG in the same positive and constructive manner that it approached the IAEA deliberations. Australia will bear in mind non-proliferation considerations, as well as the strategic importance of this issue for both India and the United States.

Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555