India may not be inducted in nuclear group in June meet: Report

Some governments seek to negotiate the terms of entry before giving a go-ahead to India's application

Even as India seeks an entry into the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group, diplomats feel its chances are bleak in the upcoming meeting on June 20 in Seoul, news agency Bloomberg reported. 

As per three diplomats, who represent governments inside the 48-nation group, India may not get a total nod to membership right away as it has not yet met all the criteria for admission. 

What may be the roadblock?

One of the things they have outlined is the fact that India’s terms of entry requires more negotiating to preserve the credibility of the trade controls. They have sought tighter monitoring by international nuclear inspectors as well as assurances that India’s activities in civil nuclear program will not be used for defence purposes. 

All over for India?

India’s application could be considered again in the fourth quarter after the concerns on proliferation have been addressed. 

Backing of nations

In the joint address by US and India on Tuesday, the former had pledged support to India’s bid to seek entry into the group. 

In fact, John Kerry, US Secretary of State, made a plea to member states that were apprehensive to India’s admission. 

“India has shown strong support for the objectives of the NSG and the global nuclear nonproliferation regime and is a ‘like-minded’ state deserving of NSG admission,” Kerry had written a letter. 

Earlier this week, Switzerland too endorsed India’s application for membership into the NSG.  Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann said, “We have promised India support in its efforts to become a member of NSG.”