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Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Categories
    World Affairs
  • Published
    9th Jun, 2022

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.

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