INDIA PARTICIPATES IN THE 10TH REVIEW MEETING OF THE CONVENTION ON NUCLEAR SAFETY

**Executive Summary** India participated in the 10th review meeting of the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS) held from April 13–24, 2026, at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna. Led by the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), the Indian delegation presented a comprehensive overview of the nation's nuclear safety performance, regulatory practices, and expansion plans. The meeting, marking the 30th anniversary of the Convention, served as a platform for 86 participating countries to align their nuclear operations with international safety standards and best practices. **Key Points / Main Content** **Indian Delegation and Participation** * A fifteen-member delegation represented India, led by Shri A K Balasubrahmanian, Chairman of the AERB. * The team included experts from the AERB, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), and the Embassy of India in Vienna. * India engaged in extensive discussions with 86 countries, addressing contemporary safety issues and sharing insights on common global challenges. **National Presentation and Future Plans** * India provided a detailed overview of its nuclear power programme, focusing on safety performance and regulatory practices. * The presentation highlighted India’s commitment to strengthening nuclear safety while pursuing a projected large-scale expansion of its nuclear power capacity. **The Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS) Framework** * India ratified the legally binding Convention on March 31, 2005. * The primary objective is to achieve and sustain high levels of nuclear safety worldwide to protect individuals, society, and the environment from ionizing radiation. * The Convention focuses on establishing robust defenses at nuclear installations and ensuring the prevention and mitigation of accidents. **Regulatory Obligations and Standards** * Member countries must fulfill specific obligations aligned with the IAEA’s Fundamental Safety Principles (SF-1). * Mandatory requirements encompass the siting, design, construction, and operation of nuclear installations. * The review process provides a mechanism for comparing national regulatory practices against international best practices. **Impact Analysis** **Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)** **Impact** As the lead for the Indian delegation, the AERB is responsible for presenting and defending India’s regulatory practices on an international stage. **Action Required** The AERB must continue to benchmark national safety standards against international best practices and oversee the safety of the projected expansion in nuclear power capacity. **Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)** **Impact** As the operator of nuclear installations, NPCIL is directly affected by the obligations regarding the siting, design, construction, and operation of plants. **Action Required** NPCIL must ensure that all current and future nuclear installations fulfill the safety principles outlined in the IAEA’s Fundamental Safety Principles (SF-1). **Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)** **Impact** BARC provides the technical expertise required to address contemporary nuclear safety issues and radiological hazards. **Action Required** BARC experts must continue to engage with the global community to share insights and develop strategies for accident prevention and mitigation. **Government of India** **Impact** The Government is bound by the legal ratification of the CNS to maintain the highest standards of nuclear safety. **Action Required** The Government must support the proactive engagement with the global nuclear safety community and ensure that the projected expansion of nuclear power remains compliant with international safety obligations.

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