Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)

Context

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

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.

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 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.