N-energy benefits should not remain confined to few, says Manmohan
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (L), Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohamed Elbaradei (2L) Indian President Pratibha Patil (C), Indian Vice-President Hamid Ansari (2R) and UPA Government Sonia Gandhi at an award ceremony for the Indira Gandhi Award for Peace, Disarmament and Development at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi yesterday. Elbaradei received the award from Indian President for his impassioned opposition to the use of nuclear energy for military purpose and his steadfast espousal of the peaceful use of nuclear energy, sustained over many years.Photo: AFP
Seeking international cooperation in its efforts for a major expansion in the nuclear programme, India today said benefits of atomic energy should not remain confined to a "privileged few" as it was vital to meet power requirements of developing countries.
"We need the concerted and collective efforts of the international community to promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy as widely as possible," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said at a function where IAEA chief Mohammad ElBaradei was conferred the coveted Indira Gandhi Peace Prize.
He said India is now poised for a major expansion of its nuclear programme in which international cooperation will be an important component.
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