The Foreign Office on Saturday expressed "serious concern" over reports about the seizure of more than seven kilograms of natural uranium in Maharashtra, India.

While responding to media queries on the matter the FO Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said:

"We have noted with serious concern the reports about the seizure of more than 7 Kg natural uranium from unauthorized persons in India." Security of nuclear materials should be the top priority for all countries, he added.

The spokesperson emphasized there is a need for a thorough investigation of how such a sizeable quantity of uranium could become available outside any state control and identify the gaps which made this possible.

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in India on Tuesday arrested two men with 7-kg of natural uranium worth Rs 21 crore in Mumbai. Uranium is a rare element and is highly radioactive. It is used for making nuclear explosives and medical equipment.

A case was registered against the arrestees under provisions of the Atomic Energy Act-1962 while police is investigating the matter.