Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be please to state:
(a) whether India’s quest for membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is in trouble and if so, the reasons therefor;
(b) whether the indication surfaced at the last plenary in Seattle, U.S. confirms the above facts; and
(c) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) to (c) No, India is engaged with the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and with individual members thereof with a view to our membership. India’s membership of the NSG is subject to a consensus decision by the NSG members. Government remains in active contact with NSG members on this issue. India will formally apply for membership once the ground has been adequately prepared for its membership. The last NSG Plenary took place in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.