Context

The External Affairs Minister said that India looks forward to joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) by overcoming political impediments.

About Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)

• NSG is a voluntary, non-legally binding association of major countries that trade in nuclear material.
• It aims to prevent nuclear exports for commercial and peaceful purposes from being used to make nuclear weapons.
• It currently has 48 members, who work on accepted guidelines to prevent proliferation while indulging in nuclear commerce.
• It is not a formal organization, and its guidelines are not binding. Decisions, including on membership, are made by consensus.

Advantages of NSG membership

• Once admitted, an NSG member state gets-
• Timely information on nuclear matters.
• Contributes by way of information.
• Has confirmed credentials.
• Can act as an instrument of harmonization and coordination.
• Is part of a very transparent process

Who can participate?

• Any state that conducts exports appearing on the Guidelines may apply for NSG membership.
• There are two sets of guidelines for nuclear exports and nuclear-related exports.
• The guidelines include a principle that states that transfer of nuclear technology will be authorised only on the condition that such a deal will not lead to the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
• Hence, all the member states of the NSG are signatories of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
• A potential member is evaluated on its proliferation record for national export controls and adherence to international non-proliferation treaties and agreements.
• All existing members must approve an applicant for admittance to the regime.

India Status

• India is not a member of NSG-
• Non-signatory of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): India has not signed the NPT. All the participants of NSG are the signatory of NPT.
• India refused to sign NPT because the NPT defines nuclear weapons states as those that tested devices before 1967.
• As per the definition, India cannot ever be designated as a nuclear weapon state.
• Also, India believes NPT is an unfair treaty as nuclear weapon states have no obligation to give them up while putting a ban on non-nuclear states.