NSG to discuss India's case; officials call it significant

NSG to discuss India's case; officials call it significant

India's quest for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) has received a boost with the non-proliferation body deciding to include the issue at its plenary meeting in the third week of June, a move termed as positive by officials in New Delhi.

The move came following an outreach meeting between India, which was led by Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, and the NSG Troika comprising The Netherlands, New Zealand and Hungary at The Hague on Monday.

Describing the decision by the 46-member NSG as significant, the officials in New Delhi feel that it will also help India in taking forward its discussions with other multi-lateral export control regimes like the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the Australia Group (AG) as the objectives of these bodies were common.

However, the officials said the decision to initiate discussion will not ensure India's membership automatically and will require series of consultations with other members of the world's premier non-proliferation body.

"It is for the first time, NSG has decided to initiate the discussion on India's membership. It is significant and positive. India attaches lot of importance to NSG and its joining the group," officials in New Delhi said.

India, which is engaged in outreach meetings with NSG members, has already received support from the US, Russia and France, three major countries in the 46-member group.

"Considering India's track-record, and commitment to non-proliferation, we are hopeful of positive outcome in due course," officials said.

Nirupama Rao is understood to have conveyed India’s concerns while explaining its position of having a special status since September 2008 when NSG allowed global nuclear trade with India despite it being a non-signatory to the NPT.

Along with India, Pakistan and Israel are also vying for membership of NSG. While it is unlikely for Israel to get NSG membership, China is strongly pushing Pakistans case.