Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
The NSG is a 48-nation multinational body, which was established in 1974 under the circumstances of the Indian nuclear test.
Its goal is to control the export of nuclear materials, technology and equipment. From the supply of materials used to make nuclear weapons to its control, it comes under its purview.
The 48-member NSG works on the principle of consensus and not on the basis of majority. Therefore, India has been trying to get all the countries to agree to ensure its membership for the last few years, whose strongest opposition is being registered by China. China says that since India is not a signatory to the NPT, it should not get the membership of the NSG.
In principle, most of the NSG member states are against the inclusion of any country that is not a signatory to the NPT. He says that if this is done then it should be equally applicable to all.It is note worthy that apart from India, Pakistan, Israel and South Sudan have not yet signed the NPT.
Although India is getting most of the benefits of NSG membership due to the nuclear deal with the US in 2008, India has also developed nuclear weapons and is not a signatory to the NPT. Still, the membership of NSG is enough for India.
India should get membership of NSG
India's record so far of self adherence to its provisions, despite being a signatory to the NPT and not a member of the NSG, has been impeccable.
India has made its rules related to nuclear trade according to the guidelines of NSG. Its civilian nuclear installations are also under IAEA supervision.
India has announced a voluntary moratorium on future underground nuclear tests. By doing so, India has effectively acted in accordance with the objectives of NPT and CTBT.
Unlike many western powers, India's nuclear doctrine is non-aggressive, non-expansive and only for balance of power (no first use policy). Thus India has established itself as a responsible nuclear nation.
India has acquired a high level of expertise in the safe use of nuclear technologies; It has mastered the effective control of consequences associated with civilian use of nuclear and is ready to fully accept IAEA safeguards.
Importance of NSG membership for India
India needs to become a member of the NSG to expand nuclear power generation and enter the export market. Membership of the NSG will increase the certainty of India's nuclear program and create a legal basis for it, which will increase the confidence of various countries to invest in India's ambitious projects.
India is committed to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and for this there is a need to increase nuclear power generation in a big way.With the use of latest technology, India can commercialize the production of nuclear power equipment. This in turn will promote innovation and high-tech manufacturing and can be used for economic and strategic 21 gains
India's entry into the NSG will strengthen the global non-proliferation regime and formalize India's exemption from NSG in 2008.India will have no control over future amendments as it is not a member. That is, the exemption from which India is getting the benefit, it can also be abolished by amending it later.
