Contrary to reports appearing in the media, South Africa is actually quite supportive of India's bid for membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), a senior official said on Monday ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to that country later this week.
"They have been very supportive of India in the NSG," Amar Sinha, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said at a pre-departure media briefing here.
During the NSG plenary in Seoul last month, though China's name figured prominently for opposing India's membership bid, there were reports that some other countries like Austria, New Zealand and South Africa were also against the Indian bid.
"Let me tell you before you ask me the question, that they (South Africa) have actually been quite supportive," Sinha said.
India formally applied for membership in the 48-member group on May 12 this year.
--IANS
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