In an era where energy security and environmental sustainability are at the forefront of global priorities, nuclear power continues to play a crucial role. Against this backdrop, India’s active participation in the 10th Review Meeting of the Convention on Nuclear Safety highlights its firm commitment to maintaining the highest standards of nuclear safety while expanding its clean energy capacity.
Held from April 13 to 24, 2026, at the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, the two-week-long meeting marked the 30th anniversary of the Convention. The event brought together delegates from 86 countries, providing a vital platform for international cooperation, peer review, and the exchange of best practices in nuclear safety.
India’s Strong Representation and Leadership
India was represented by a 15-member delegation led by A K Balasubrahmanian, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). The delegation included experts from premier institutions such as the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), and the Embassy of India in Vienna.
This diverse representation reflected India’s integrated approach to nuclear governance combining regulatory oversight, scientific expertise, and operational excellence.
Showcasing India’s Nuclear Safety Framework
During the review meeting, India presented a comprehensive overview of its nuclear power programme.
The presentation emphasized:
- Robust safety performance across nuclear installations
- Transparent and evolving regulatory practices
- Long-term plans for expanding nuclear power capacity
India underscored its proactive engagement with the global nuclear community, highlighting how safety remains central to its strategy for scaling up nuclear energy production. As the country aims for large-scale expansion in nuclear capacity to meet growing energy demands and climate commitments, maintaining stringent safety benchmarks is non-negotiable.
Collaborative Dialogue and Knowledge Sharing
Beyond its national presentation, the Indian delegation actively engaged in discussions on other countries’ reports. These interactions allowed India to both share its experiences and learn from global counterparts on emerging challenges such as technological advancements, risk management, and regulatory innovation.
Such peer-review mechanisms are a cornerstone of the Convention, fostering transparency and mutual accountability among member states.
The Convention on Nuclear Safety: A Global Framework
The Convention on Nuclear Safety is a legally binding international agreement aimed at ensuring high levels of nuclear safety worldwide. India ratified the Convention on March 31, 2005, reaffirming its dedication to global safety norms.
The Convention focuses on :
- Establishing strong defenses against radiological hazards
- Ensuring safe siting, design, construction, and operation of nuclear plants
- Protecting people, society, and the environment from harmful radiation
- Preventing accidents and mitigating their impact
Member countries are required to align their practices with the IAEA’s Fundamental Safety Principles, ensuring consistency with international best practices.
Outcomes and Way Forward
The 10th review meeting concluded with plenary discussions that yielded constructive outcomes, reinforcing global cooperation in nuclear safety. For India, the event served not only as a platform to showcase its progress but also as an opportunity to refine its strategies through international collaboration.
