New Delhi: Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi successfully ended his five nation tour after garnering support from US, Switzerland, Mexico for India's NSG membership bid, arch rival Pakistan has been left cornered on the issue.
Pakistan submitted a formal application in Vienna last month, expressing its desire to join the group. But neither US administration nor Congress seems to be interested in supporting Pakistan, according to Pakistan's Dawn
In a letter to the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Pakistan’s Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani reminded Congress that Pakistan had taken a series of steps that qualify it for joining the NSG.
“Pakistan’s desire to participate in the NSG stands on solid grounds of technical experience, capability and well-established commitment to nuclear safety,” the ambassador wrote.
Pakistan argues that its presence in the NSG is in the interest of nuclear trading countries, as it will further promote NSG non-proliferation objectives by the inclusion of a state with nuclear supply capabilities and its adherence to the NSG guidelines.
The US is not only supporting India’s application but is also encouraging other countries, including China, to back the Indian move.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered unconditional support to India’s entry into the NSG but China opposes the move as it discriminates against Pakistan.
India’s biggest concern from the 48-nation group comes from China, that argues that NSG members must be signatories to the Non-proliferation treaty (NPT). India, Pakistan, North Korea, Israel and South Sudan are amongst the countries that aren't signatories to the NPT, which India believes is discriminatory.
Without China’s support India cannot join the group, as all membership applications need consensus of existing members.
India decided in 2012 to pursue full membership to the NSG, which gave it an exceptional “country-specific” waiver in 2008.
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