Nuclear proliferation pose a serious challenge, warns India

India today warned that nuclear terrorism and clandestine proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including attempts by "non-state actors", pose a serious threat to global peace and any breach in nuclear security could undermine public confidence in atomic energy.
"We should together deny terrorists what they seek and eliminate the risks of sensitive materials and technologies falling into their hands," External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said while addressing the Nuclear Security Summit here.
"The focus on non-state actors should in no way diminish state accountability in combating terrorism, dismantling its support structures or its linkages with weapons of mass destruction," he said apparently referring to fears that Pakistan's nuclear assets could end up into the hands of militants.

"All States must strictly abide by the international commitments that they have undertaken."
Nuclear terrorism and clandestine proliferation poses a serious threat to international security. India fully shares the continuing global concern on possible breaches of nuclear security, Khurshid, heading the Indian delegation to the two-day summit, said.
"We have not wavered in our commitment to global efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery," he said.

He said India is committed to a world free from nuclear weapons.
"We are proud of our record on nuclear security and nuclear non-proliferation but we are not complacent," he said.

Despite the progress the world community has made since US President Barack Obama convened the first Nuclear Security Summit, terrorism and other malicious acts involving nuclear materials and facilities remain a clear and present danger, he said.
"Any breach in nuclear security and safety anywhere could undermine public confidence in nuclear energy," Khurshid said.
"India is committed to upholding and strengthening physical security of nuclear facilities and materials. We are prepared to further strengthen our export control systems in line with the highest international standards," he said.
Highlighting India's commitment to nuclear energy as a safe source of meeting the country's growing demand for power, he said the government envisage a major expansion of atomic energy in the coming decades from just over 5000 MW currently to 20,000 MW by 2020 and on to 60,000 MW by 2030.

After the tragedy in Fukushima in 2011, India has comprehensively reviewed safety measures at all its nuclear facilities.
"we are strengthening emergency preparedness, monitoring, and response to nuclear accidents," he said.