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