New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today clarified that China is not opposing India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG). She further stated that China's focus is on the procedure of India's membership to the elite nuclear club.
On China supporting Pakistan's entry into NSG, the minister said the applications should be considered as per merit.
"We hope to become a member of the NSG by year-end. China doesn't oppose India's membership, China is speaking about procedure," Ms Swaraj said.
"We wouldn't like to oppose anyone's entry to the nuke club. But we would like every country's application to be considered on merit," she added.
Out of the 23 nations she had spoken to, 21 are favouring India's entry in to the group, the minister said. "Others still have some questions."
Her remarks came days after India stepped up its diplomatic effort as Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar made a quiet trip to Beijing this week to try and win over China’s backing for India’s membership.
While India has secured support of major members of NSG including US, UK, Mexico, Italy and Switzerland, China leads a group of countries that are holding out against giving India membership.
China’s support is crucial as no new member can be inducted into the group unless there is consensus between 48-member body.
