India's nuclear security approach is driven by five key components:
Governance: The umbrella legislation that encompasses the security of India's nuclear and radiological materials and facilities is the Indian Atomic Energy Act of 1962. Indian Parliament enacted the Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act in June 2005 to further strengthening India's resolve around nuclear security and nuclear non-proliferation.
Steps are being taken to convert the de facto independence of AERB into de jure autonomy through a Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority (NSRA), for which a bill is being finalised for introduction in the Indian Parliament.
Nuclear Security Practice and Culture: The nuclear security culture in India is that every person, from a custodian to a technician to a scientist to a guard in the protective force believes in and supports the nuclear security programme for it to succeed.
Institutions: India has established various institutions to ensure the safety and security of materials as well as facilities across the country. These include the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), Nuclear Controls and Planning Wing (NCPW) and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). While AERB is primarily responsible for overseeing the civilian nuclear sector, DAE and BARC contribute on matters related to India's strategic nuclear programmes.
Technology: India uses a closed fuel cycle that carries less proliferation risks. Technology is also used to track materials in real time while in transit. Sensors and access control barriers are used to protect nuclear installations. The Indian nuclear establishments including the nuclear power plants are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. In Indian civilian nuclear facilities, such threats are being addressed by the Computer Information and Security Advisory Group (CISAG).
International Cooperation: India is party to all the 13 universal instruments accepted as benchmarks for a State’s commitments to combat international terrorism. India is party to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials (CPPNM) and has ratified its 2005 amendment. India looks forward to its early entry into force. India is also a party to the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. India's initiative to establish the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) is a testament of its credentials as an active global partner in furthering nuclear security.
