IAEA's knowledge about Stuxnet computer worm, which allegedly wiped out roughly one-fifth of Iran's nuclear centrifuges, was "limited" but its safety department was following the issue closely, the UN's nuclear watchdog chief said today.

"The Stuxnet virus which possibly destroyed Iran's nuclear centrifuges and is allegedly a US-Israel joint project, is widely discussed in IAEA.. But IAEA's knowledge on this Stuxnet worm is limited," Amano told reporters at the sidelines of a two-day conference of Indian Nuclear Society here.

"Our role is to provide confidence on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy... Yes on the safety side, this is an important issue and our safety department is following it very closely," he said.

When asked to comment on Iran's invitation to a selected countries for inspection of its nuclear facilities, Amano said, "I have no particular comment but it is an encouraging sign. I hope to hear some positive outcome from their dialogue."

On India's record of safety in nuclear plants, he said that the country has a very good record but it cannot be complacent on safety.

"IAEA has confidence over India's regulatory body (AERB) but we can never be complacent on safety and a close and constant consultation with IAEA by all countries is must," he said.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident and tremendous progress has been made on safety standards, he said.

On opposition to the proposed nuclear power project at Jaitapur in Maharashtra by some groups, Amano said, "transparency is needed and appropriate public awareness is required."