Introduction
In the 21st century, nuclear security (NS) risks are more tangible with the probability of nuclear weapons and materials falling into the hands of terrorists becoming more real. The NS threat scenario presents a complex matrix of violent terrorism, Islamist militancy, a proliferation network originating from Pakistan (A. Q. Khan Network) and its spread to Iran, Libya and North Korea. To mitigate nuclear risks and inspire global nuclear confidence, an institutionalized structure is critical for strengthening NS. India has developed its centre of excellence (CoE) called the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy partnership (GCNEP). It is supported by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) as an institutionalized framework dedicated to ‘enhance nuclear safeguards to effectively and efficiently monitor nuclear materials and facilities’. This commentary explores the critical role played by the GCNEP through sharing of best practices with several countries by imparting education, training and enhancing awareness. India’s approach is to achieve sustainable excellence as an integral aspect of its NS policy and embed a strong NS culture within its nuclear architecture capable of enthusing NS confidence at the national, regional and global levels.
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