He assured the DAE of his full support in the implementation of its ambitious expansion programme and expressed hope that it would meet the target of increasing the capacity by three times from the present level of 5780 MW by 2023-24 within the projected cost.

Underlining the importance of ensuring that nuclear energy remained commercially viable and competitive with other sources of clean energy in the long run, he also asked DAE to continually upgrade technology, both with regard to long term plans and international trends. DAE, he said, must also plan for ensuring adequate availability of skilled human resources in the country.

Stressing that nuclear safety and security were of the highest priority for him, the Prime Minister asked DAE to ensure that the country's standards and practices were the most advanced in the world. He also asked DAE to pay special attention to the local communities in planning and implementing nuclear power projects.

India's self-reliance in the nuclear fuel cycle and the commercial success of the indigenous reactors demonstrated that with vision, resolve and hard work, it could be a front ranking country in the most challenging fields, Modi said.

The Prime Minister hoped that the role of industry in providing equipment and systems for the nuclear programme would continue to grow.

He welcomed India's growing international partnership in the field of nuclear energy and hoped for timely implementation of the ongoing projects in a manner that they met the requirements of techno-economic viability and safety standards.

Technology transfer to India, he observed, was a vital element of his vision for international partnerships.

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