The IAEA often features in news for its role in monitoring nuclear programs of countries like Iran, North Korea, and Russia-Ukraine (Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant).
It plays a critical role in global nuclear governance, safeguards, and peaceful use of nuclear technology.
About IAEA
Established: 1957 as an autonomous international organization under the UN framework.
Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.
Motto: “Atoms for Peace and Development.”
Membership: 178 countries (as of 2025).
Nature: Though autonomous, it reports annually to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and, when necessary, to the UN Security Council (UNSC).
Objectives
Promote safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technology.
Prevent proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Assist member states in nuclear science, medicine, agriculture, and energy.
Set safety standards for radiation protection and nuclear installations.
Key Functions
Safeguards & Verification:
Ensures nuclear material is not diverted for weapons purposes.
Conducts on-site inspections, surveillance, and remote monitoring.
Safety & Security:
Develops safety standards for nuclear power plants.
Assists countries in nuclear accident preparedness (e.g., after Fukushima 2011).
Technical Cooperation:
Provides support in cancer therapy, food security, water management, and clean energy.
Works with developing countries for peaceful applications.
Research & Development:
Promotes nuclear fusion, isotopes for health, and small modular reactors.
India and IAEA
India joined in 1957 (founding member).
After the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008), India signed an India-specific Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA.
Indian nuclear plants under IAEA safeguards include those using imported fuel (e.g., Tarapur, Kudankulam).
India cooperates with IAEA in areas of:
Radiation oncology
Isotope hydrology for water management
Food irradiation technology
Significance
Key institution for nuclear non-proliferation regime along with NPT and CTBT.
Ensures balance between peaceful nuclear energy use and global security.
Provides credibility and transparency in nuclear energy programs.
Challenges
Limited enforcement powers (depends on UNSC for action).
Accusations of political bias (e.g., Iran nuclear inspections).
Balancing energy needs of developing countries with non-proliferation concerns.
