China ready for talks with India on its entry into NSG

China has said it is ready to talk with India on its entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

However, it has defended its stand on extending a hold on New Delhi's bid for a United Nations ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.

Responding to a question whether any progress can be expected on the issue of India's admission into the NSG in the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Goa, Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong said the NSG rules stipulate consensus among the members to admit new ones.

Stating that China and India have maintained good communication on the issue, he said that Beijing was ready to continue consultations with New Delhi to build consensus.

Beijing is opposed to anyone making political gains in the name of counter-terrorism, he said while answering to a question on criticism about China's move to halt India's bid for a ban on Azhar.

He said that the Goa summit will build on the past consensus and continue to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism and other issues of political security and contribute to world peace and security.

The BRICS Summit is scheduled to begin from October 17.