India: No change in nuclear policy

NEW DELHI - India has said that there is no change in its nuclear policy despite protests against the Russia- aided Kudankulam power project in the southern state of Tamil Nadu inspired by "national and international groups ideologically opposed to nuclear power," local media reported on Sunday.

"India's nuclear policy has not undergone any change... India cannot do away with the nuclear option considering its growing energy needs and limited energy resources available in the country. Nuclear power is a clean energy option that provides long term energy security and addresses climate change concerns," The Times of India newspaper quoted the central government officials as telling the Parliament this week.

The government also indicated that it will not be swayed by protests led by local NGOs, church groups and supported by US and Scandinavian anti-nuclear activists, saying nuclear power is an "important component of our energy mix and will be pursued, with full regard to safety, security and livelihood of the people. "

"Nuclear energy will play a major part in future for achieving energy security of the country," the government officials said.

On foreign funds buoying the protests, the government officials said, "Preliminary reports indicate that NGOs from certain foreign countries are funding some NGOs in the country, especially NGOs working in and around Kudankulam area, who are involved in the agitation against nuclear power plants."