Swiss say will support India's membership of NSG

Assurance comes despite strong opposition from China; India to back Swiss bid for non-permanent entry to UNSC

Despite opposition from China, India has reportedly got Switzerland's support for its bid to enter the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the European nation.

An assurance to this effect was given to Modi by President Johann Schneider-Ammann."We have promised India support in its efforts to become a member of NSG," Schneider-Ammann said at a press briefing, following a joint statement by the two countries.

Thanking the President for his support, Modi said India will support Switzerland's bids for a non-permanent membership to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Despite China's opposition, India has been vying for membership to the 48-member NSG that will enable it to trade nuclear weapons with friendly nations, subject to non-proliferation rules. It will also help the country further its clean energy plans.

For a new nation to join, all member countries need to agree. At a joint press briefing in Geneva, Modi also pitched for stronger economic ties with the country, and for more dedicated efforts in tackling black money.

"India and Switzerland (are) making considerable progress in fighting tax fraud and evasion," the Swiss president said as Modi invited the nation to be a "key partner in India's economic growth".

"Combating the menace of black money and tax evasion is also our shared priority," the PM said.

Bringing black money stowed overseas back to India was a key poll promise Modi gained popularity for and eventually helped him sweep to power in the 2014 general assembly elections. The ruling BJP however has yet to make good on it, and has opened the party to strong criticism from the Opposition.

Modi arrived in Geneva early Monday from the Qatari capital of Doha on the third leg of his five-nation tour that also takes him to the US and Mexico.