MISSION INTEREST IN DEVELOPING RADIOLOGICAL

S E C R E T NEW DELHI 001305 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/16/2015 TAGS: ASEC PREL PTER KRAD IN SUBJECT: MISSION INTEREST IN DEVELOPING RADIOLOGICAL SECURITY RESPONSE REF: NEW DELHI 1248 Classified By: DCM Robert O. Blake, Jr. for Reasons 1.4 (B, D) ¶1. (S) Taking advantage of the February 8-10 visit by DOE and Department officials seeking to engage the GOI in the Regional Radiological Security Partnership (reftel),we sought more information about the impact of a hypothetical radiological attack on Mission facilities. DCM noted that GOI support for Mission security is generally good throughout India, but pockets of insecurity around the country, instability in neighboring countries, and the ready availability of rudimentary nuclear materials in South Asia coupled with the presence of radical terrorist groups all pose security risks to the Mission. DCM told the delegation that the Mission has evacuation plans as part of its emergency response strategy, but does not have a detailed response plan in case of a radiological attack. Noting that both the Mission and the GOI have some radiological detection capabilities, DCM expressed interest in developing a more detailed plan in case of a radiological emergency, including training for both Mission and GOI personnel. ¶2. (U) DOE provided DCM with a booklet entitled, "A Basic Guide to RTR Radiological Materials" and offered to provide Mission with more information about how to prepare for a radiological emergency. ¶3. (S) Mission would also encourage contacts between DS and DOE to determine the feasibility of ATA funding to support training that DOE might offer to Indian authorities in dealing with the consequences of an attack in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Calcutta using a radiological dispersion device. MULFORD