Question : Entry to NSG

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the details of efforts and initiatives made by India to gain entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG);

(b) whether any nation including China has been opposing India’s entry into NSG and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has changed its position on being a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether any member of the NSG including China has insisted upon signing NPT as the precondition to gain entry into NSG; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto along with the stand of the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(GEN. (DR) V.K. SINGH (RETD))

(a) India''s application for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) remains under consideration of the Group. Government continues to engage with the NSG and its members at the appropriate levels for a decision on India''s application.

(b) to (e) India is not a member of the NSG and is hence not privy to its internal discussions. However, it is gathered that while no member explicitly opposes India''s membership, procedural objections have been raised ostensibly on grounds of India''s non-NPT status. India''s position on the NPT remains unchanged. There is no proposal under consideration of the Government to sign the NPT as a precondition for joining the NSG.