In a latest move to India’s bid for NSG; US calls on all NSG members to support India’s application in the crucial meeting of the atomic trading club in Seoul next week. UK too extends firm support to India.
The US has called on members of the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group to support India’s membership.
British Premier David Cameron has assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the UK’s “firm support” for India’s NSG membership bid, a boost to the country, ahead of the nuclear trading club’s crucial meeting next week in Seoul.
His support comes after the US reaffirmed its support during the US visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week.
President Barack Obama had welcomed India’s application to become a member of the grouping.
US Secretary of State John Kerry recently wrote a two-page letter to member countries who are sceptical towards India’s membership to agree not to block consensus on Indian admission to the group.
Significantly, even the joint statement issued after the talks between PM Modi and Barack Obama said that the US calls upon NSG participating governments to support India’s application when it comes up at the NSG plenary.
NSG looks after critical issues relating to nuclear sector and its members are allowed to trade in nuclear technology.
It works under the principle of consensus and even one country’s vote against India can scuttle its bid.
US’ appeal comes a day after China’s official media claimed that India’s inclusion in the NSG would shake the strategic balance in South Asia and make India a legitimate nuclear power.
However, India has a spotless record on nuclear non-proliferation and it has followed up on the commitments that it made at the time of the country-specific waiver that was granted to it by the NSG in 2008.