IAEA/ World Nuclear Association (WNA):

Why in News? Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to oversee Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal. This request comes in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following a recent military conflict, known as “Operation Sindoor.”

Relevance : UPSC Pre &  Mains

Prelims : IAEA/WNO/CTBT/NSG

Mains :   GS 2-

 What is the IAEA?

• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an international organization that promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy and prevents the spread of nuclear weapons. Established in 1957 and headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
• It operates under the United Nations framework but is an autonomous body governed by its member states. Its motto, “Atoms for Peace and Development,” reflects its dual role in fostering nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and ensuring nuclear safety and security.

Members of the IAEA:

As of 2025, the IAEA has 171 member states. Notable members include:

• India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed states and IAEA members, though neither is a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
• Major powers like the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom, which are also NPT signatories and permanent UN Security Council members.
• Other countries across regions, such as Brazil, South Africa, Japan, and Iran, which engage in nuclear activities under IAEA oversight.

Membership is open to all UN member states, with countries joining by ratifying the IAEA Statute. The agency’s governance includes a General Conference (all members) and a Board of Governors (35 members, elected based on regional representation and nuclear expertise).

Functions of the IAEA:

The IAEA has three primary functions, often described as its “three pillars”:

Safeguards and Verification:

1. • Monitors nuclear programs to ensure they are used for peaceful purposes and not for weapons development.
   • Implements safeguards agreements, including inspections of nuclear facilities, primarily in NPT signatory states.
   • India has a limited safeguards agreement with the IAEA for its civilian nuclear facilities under a 2008 deal, but its military nuclear program is not subject to IAEA oversight. Pakistan’s nuclear program is similarly outside IAEA safeguards.

Nuclear Safety and Security:

1. • Sets global standards for nuclear safety, radiation protection, and the security of nuclear materials.
   • Provides guidance to prevent nuclear accidents and protect against theft or misuse of radioactive materials.
   • Responds to nuclear emergencies, such as assessing radiation leaks.

Technical Cooperation:

1. • Supports member states in using nuclear technology for peaceful applications, such as energy, healthcare (e.g., cancer treatment), agriculture (e.g., pest control), and water management.
   • Provides training, equipment, and expertise, especially to developing nations.

The IAEA also promotes nuclear non-proliferation, conducts research, and facilitates dialogue on nuclear issues. It reports annually to the UN General Assembly and, in cases of non-compliance, to the UN Security Council.

IAEA Activities:

Nuclear Safety in Conflict Zones: The IAEA has been active in ensuring the safety of nuclear facilities in conflict zones, such as Ukraine, where it has deployed missions to monitor the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This experience underscores its role in addressing nuclear risks during military escalations, relevant to the India-Pakistan context.

Climate and Development: In 2024–2025, the IAEA has emphasized nuclear energy’s role in combating climate change, supporting countries in adopting small modular reactors (SMRs) and other clean energy solutions. It has also expanded technical cooperation for healthcare, with programs like Rays of Hope to improve cancer treatment in low-income countries.

Non-Proliferation Efforts: The IAEA continues to monitor Iran’s nuclear program under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) framework, despite challenges following the U.S. withdrawal in 2018. It has also engaged with North Korea, though its inspections there remain stalled.

Other Related Organizations:

Several organizations complement or overlap with the IAEA’s mandate in nuclear governance, non-proliferation, and security:

United Nations Security Council (UNSC):

1. • Oversees global peace and security, including nuclear non-proliferation. The IAEA reports to the UNSC on cases of non-compliance with safeguards.
   • Relevant to India-Pakistan, as both countries’ nuclear programs are outside the NPT, and any escalation could involve UNSC discussions.

Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO):

1. • Monitors compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which bans all nuclear explosions. Neither India nor Pakistan has signed the CTBT, limiting the CTBTO’s role in their nuclear activities.
   • Operates a global network of monitoring stations to detect nuclear tests.

Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG):

1. • A group of 48 countries that regulates the export of nuclear materials and technology to prevent proliferation.
   • India has sought NSG membership, supported by the U.S., but faces opposition from some members (e.g., China) due to its non-NPT status. Pakistan also seeks membership but has not gained significant support.

World Nuclear Association (WNA):

1. • A non-governmental organization that promotes the nuclear industry and coordinates best practices for nuclear energy. It is not a regulatory body but collaborates with the IAEA on technical issues.

Conference on Disarmament (CD):

1. • A multilateral forum in Geneva for negotiating arms control and disarmament agreements, including the proposed Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT). Both India and Pakistan participate, but progress on the FMCT has been stalled, partly due to Pakistan’s objections.