 "US, Switzerland back India's NSG membership bid: 5 things to know")
India’s chances of getting into the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG) have received a huge boost after the US endorsed its membership bid on Tuesday. “I indicated support to India being a part of NSG,” US President Barack Obama said, even as China has opposed India’s move. The statement from Obama came at a joint address with PM Modi at the White House on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Switzerland on Monday also lent its support to India’s bid to seek an entry into the group. Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann said, “We have promised India support in its efforts to become a member of NSG.”
These developments come at a time when India has been seeking endorsements from several nations to get into the elite 48-member nuclear club.
The Centre had submitted its application for membership to the NSG on May 12, a week ahead of Pakistan’s submission, setting the stage for a diplomatic battle. The NSG will meet on June 9 and 10 in Vienna to discuss new applicants.
To understand the whole issue better, here are answers to some questions on the same.
What is India doing to get a membership in the group?
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In the last week of April, India sent a document called ‘adherence to NSG’ to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The document lists laws that are changed or introduced to match it with NSG’s guidelines, according to the report by the publication cited above.
In fact, the Prime Minister had extended his multi-nation visit by adding two more countries — Switzerland and Mexico — in his travel agenda. Modi travelled to Switzerland on June 6. He will be visiting Mexico on June 9.
What India seeks through the membership?
India is seeking easy transfer of nuclear technology, raw materials among nations with the help of this membership.
In fact, it has presented a two-fold message for the same, a report in The Economic Times' states. First, to meet climate change commitment of 40% non-fossil fuel in its energy mix, India must be a part of a nuclear trading club. Secondly, the membership will ensure stability in business environment even if governments change.
Is India backed by any major nation?
The United States on Tuesday announced its backing of India’s bid to enter the nuclear group. Switzerland too, after PM Modi’s visit, said that it will endorse India in the group.
Which nations are against it?
China has raised objections to giving the membership access to India. In fact, it has backed Pakistan’s entry, thereby looking to put a spanner in the works. The neighbouring nation applied for the membership just a week after India did. The government tried to get China to review its stance. In fact, President Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to Beijing in May was to inform it about India’s application. Officials from both nations are said to have agreed to talk to each other.
Currently, Mexico has raised concerns on India’s membership. Modi’s visit to this nation is specifically to iron out issues related to the membership bid and seek its support.
How does this put Modi's US visit in perspective?
With the heavyweight backing by the United States, the tone is set for the meeting scheduled in June.
In fact, the chances of getting into the group are brighter with India being admitted to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) late on Tuesday.