The Union Cabinet on Friday ratified an amendment to the International Atomic Energy Agency Convention that provides for protection of nuclear material from acts of terror and sabotage.

The Cabinet approved the ratification of the amendment of the Convention of Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, 1980 and the Extradition Act 1962.

The decision has been taken in view of the threat of nuclear material being stolen by the terrorist outfits operating in various parts of the country.

Briefing media persons after the meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Das Munshi said, "Becoming a party to the convention would strengthen the international legal framework to combat terrorism and also enhance international cooperation in investigation, prosecution and extradition of those who commit terrorist acts and acts of sabotage involving radioactive material or nuclear devices and facilities."

The amendment to CPPNM will make it legally binding for States, who are signatory, to protect nuclear facilities and material, their storage as well as transport.

"It will also provide for expanded cooperation between and amongst States regarding rapid measures to locate and recover stolen or smuggled nuclear material, mitigate any radiological consequences of sabotage and prevent and combat related offences," Munshi said.

IAEA members, at a Diplomatic Conference in Geneva in July 2005, had adopted an amendment to the Convention to strengthen the provisions and include terrorist acts and acts of sabotage against nuclear material and facilities.

The Convention requires the state parties to make such offences punishable under the domestic laws.

Additional Reportage: PTI