In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the 'International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'?

In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the…

The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.
The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.
The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.

Answer

The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.

(a) In India, the practical implication of the IAEA Additional Protocol, read with the 2008 India-specific safeguards arrangement, is that declared civilian nuclear reactors/facilities are subject to IAEA safeguards. Verdict: Correct.
(b) India’s military nuclear installations are outside IAEA inspection under this arrangement. Verdict: Incorrect.
(c) The Additional Protocol by itself does not confer a legal "privilege" to buy uranium from the NSG; that became possible because of the separate NSG waiver and related civil nuclear agreements. Verdict: Incorrect.
(d) Ratifying the Additional Protocol does not automatically make India an NSG member; membership requires separate consensus. Verdict: Incorrect.

Correction: My earlier answer overstated option (c). Uranium imports from NSG countries flowed from the 2008 NSG waiver, not directly from ratifying the Additional Protocol. Hence UPSC’s answer (a) is the better and correct choice.

The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.

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