UNSC briefing on Ukraine

IAEA team visit to Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

[6 September 2022; 1500 hrs]

Remarks by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

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Mr. President,

Let me begin by thanking the Secretary General for his comprehensive briefing and the Director General IAEA for his update on the recent visit of the IAEA team to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

2.     India attaches high importance to ensuring the safety and security of nuclear facilities in Ukraine, as any accident involving nuclear facilities could potentially have severe consequences for public health and the environment. In this regard, we appreciate the recent visit by the IAEA team and continue to carefully follow developments regarding the safety and security of Ukraine’s nuclear power reactors and facilities. We have noted that the IAEA will have a continued presence at the ZNPP.

3.    We accord high priority to the discharge by the IAEA of its safeguards and monitoring activities, in accordance with its Statute in an effective, non- discriminatory and efficient manner, and we value the efforts of the Agency in this regard.

4.    With a view to not endangering the safety and security of nuclear facilities and personnel working there, we reiterate our call for strict mutual restraint.

5.    India continues to remain concerned over the situation in Ukraine. ​ Since the beginning of the conflict, India has consistently called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and an end to violence. We have called upon both sides to return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue. We support all diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

6.    We welcome the Secretary General-backed initiative to open the exports of grains from Ukraine via the Black Sea and the facilitation of the exports of Russian food and fertilizers. These efforts demonstrate that differences can be resolved through sustained dialogue and diplomacy, which has been the consistent position of India.

7.    We continue to reiterate that the global order be anchored on international law, the UN Charter and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states.

I thank you Mr. President.