Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has any plan to reboot the efforts for getting the permanent membership in “Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)” in near future;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the manner in which it would help in getting a significant edge to the country in global power equation?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) & (b) It is understood that consultations on the issue of India’s membership are ongoing within the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The Government continues to engage with all NSG members at the appropriate levels for an early decision on India’s application for membership of the Group.
(c) Membership of the NSG would place India’s existing civil nuclear cooperation on a predictable basis and facilitate the enhanced investments, industrial tie ups and technology access required to accelerate augmentation of nuclear power capacity in India. As a member of the Group, India would be in a position to contribute further to global non-proliferation objectives and be part of the rule making process for nuclear commerce.