India's bid continues to be under consideration of NSG: Govt

V K Singh said the broad sentiment within the NSG was to take this matter forward

India's membership continues to be under consideration of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and government was engaging with all members of the 48-nation grouping for an early decision on country's application, the Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said on Thursday.

Noting that the recent NSG Plenary meeting in Seoul (June 23-24) concluded without a decision on India's membership, Singh said the broad sentiment within the NSG was to take this matter forward.

At the Plenary, China and some other countries had opposed entry of a non-Nuclear Proliferation Treaty signatory into the NSG.

Replying to a written question in the Rajya Sabha, the minister also said that engagement was stepped up with China before the Seoul NSG Plenary.

"India's membership continues to be under consideration of the NSG. The merits of India's candidature have been recognised by a majority of the NSG members, including in formal bilateral Joint Statements. It is for the NSG to judge the merits of other candidates," Singh said.

He said government continues its engagement with the NSG participating government including China on the issue of India's membership of the NSG.

"India's membership has been supported by a large and diverse number of NSG members, including the US, France, UK, Russia, Canada, Australia, Germany, Netherlands and Japan. It is natural for India to move ahead on this issue by working with as broad a group of supporters as possible," Singh added.

Department of Atomic Energy has been actively associated with government's efforts on India's membership bid, he said.

Membership of the NSG would enable India to have enhanced and uninterrupted access to nuclear technology, fuel and materials required for its expanding civil nuclear programme, Singh added.

He said it would create a predictable environment for the large investments required for setting up nuclear power plants in India to meet the India's Intended Nationally Determined Contribution pledge of 40% of its power capacity coming from non-fossil sources by 2030.

Singh also asserted that India has a well developed and diversified indigenous nuclear power programme.