Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

PM’s statement prior to his departure for the Republic of Korea

At the invitation of President Lee Myung-bak of the Republic of Korea, I leave tomorrow for Seoul to attend the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit and to pay an Official Visit to the Republic of Korea.

The Seoul Nuclear Security Summit follows the first Nuclear Security Summit convened by President Barack Obama in Washington in April 2010 to focus attention of countries with considerable nuclear capabilities on the threat posed by nuclear terrorism. This remains a continuing concern. India has been an active participant in carrying forward the Nuclear Security Summit initiative, and has also hosted a Sherpa meeting in January 2012 in New Delhi.

India is expanding its nuclear power programme to diversify its energy mix and enhance energy security. In order to retain public support for harnessing the benefits of nuclear energy, we must be able to assure them of the highest levels of nuclear security and safety. This is even more important after the Fukushima accident in Japan last year.

I expect the Seoul Summit to review actions that countries have taken to strengthen nuclear security since we last met in Washington, and recommend further steps to enhance the global nuclear security architecture. India has prepared a national report which will be shared during the Summit. I will highlight the high priority we attach to nuclear security, safety and non-proliferation, and our impeccable record in this regard. I also intend to underline India’s continuing support for a world free of nuclear weapons.

In addition, my visit will provide the opportunity to exchange views with a number of world leaders who will be attending the Nuclear Security Summit.

I look forward to my bilateral meeting with President Lee to undertake a comprehensive review of our relations with the Republic of Korea, and identify new steps for the future. The Republic of Korea is a Strategic Partner and an important pillar of our “Look East” policy. We have a vibrant trade and investment relationship. Our partnership in science & technology, education and energy holds enormous promise.

As members of various multilateral forums such as the East Asia Summit and G-20, our two countries have shared interests on a range of emerging political, security and economic issues. I will use my meeting with President Lee to exchange views on important regional and international developments. I also look forward to meeting leading Korean business leaders, who play a key role in bringing our two countries together.