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Nations such as China and Russia comprise the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) with 48 members. It is not part of the organisation’s formal structure to have non-binding rules. All decisions, including membership, must be made by a majority vote. The goal of the NSG is to prevent nuclear weapons and nuclear terrorism from spreading over the globe.

China and other parties to the nuclear non-proliferation pact have voiced their disapproval. There is, however, more to this narrative than first seems.

The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)

  • The NPT (Nonproliferation Treaty) is an international pact that was enacted in 1970. The major objective of the operation was to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and weapon technology.
  • In addition to India, the non-proliferation treaty (NPT) does not include Pakistan or Israel.
  • Because (1) the NPT excludes India from defining “nuclear weapons states” as those that had tested nuclear devices before 1967. No time frames have been established for disarmament. The NPT forbids the possession of nuclear weapons by non-nuclear countries, although nuclear powers have no obligation in this regard.
  • In 1974, the first nuclear test in India, dubbed “Pokhran-I” (Smiling Buddha), was carried out.
  • During the Cold War, nuclear nations believed that the NPT alone would not prevent nuclear weapons from spreading. Because of this, NSG was founded in 1974.
  • Non-NPT countries cannot join the Nuclear Suppliers Group because of existing constraints. Hence India is not a member.
  • In 1998, India conducted its second nuclear test. As part of “Operation Shakti,”
  • India has agreed to halt its nuclear tests. The government has voluntarily instituted strict limitations on nuclear exports.
  • Yet the West, notably the United States, has imposed new limitations on India’s freedom of movement.
  • To prevent Russia from passing cryogenic engine technology to the United States, the Nuclear Supplier Group restricted fuel to the Tarapur atomic power facility several years before 2005.
  • India was relieved when the United States finally bowed to pressure and agreed to a civil nuclear accord with that country in 2008. It is known as the “123 Agreement” because of Section 123 of the 1954 Atomic Energy Act. As a result of this arrangement, a civil-military separation plan and an agreement with the IAEA were signed. We acquired a waiver from the NSG thanks to US diplomacy.
  • On his November 2010 state visit to India, President Obama stated that the United States would support India’s ‘phased’ participation in the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG).
  • India has formally committed to maintaining its prohibition on nuclear weapons testing and not disclosing any sensitive nuclear technology or material to anybody else, according to Indian authorities.
  • As a result of India’s absence from the local NSG group, it has been unable to use the most advanced technologies.
  • In 2016, India made a formal application to join the NSG. Two other countries, Pakistan and Namibia, quickly followed suit.

China’s Opposition

Chinese opposition to India’s accession was joined by those from New Zealand, Ireland, Turkey, South Africa and Austria, despite the majority of 48 members’ support.

India’s inclusion in the NSG was conditional on signing the NPT, which China insisted on. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) proposes non-discriminatory entry conditions for governments that have not joined it. Although China’s hesitation is well-known, the country’s goal is to make Pakistan an even closer ally.

In contrast to Pakistan, India has constantly adhered to IAEA safeguards and made voluntary measures to comply with NPT and NSG rules, while Pakistan has not.

Is India’s Membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group Essential?

By joining the NSG, India would have better access to cutting-edge technology developed by other NSG members.But India is not a member of NSG currently.

Access to advanced technology and the capacity to produce nuclear weapons will help India’s Make in India programme. Consequently, the growth of our economy will be accelerated.

India has agreed to decrease its dependence on fossil fuels and guarantee that 40% of its energy comes from renewable and sustainable sources by 2030 as part of the Paris Agreement signed in 2015. To reach this objective, we need to boost nuclear power production, and if India joins the Nuclear Supplier Group, this is only doable.

Nuclear fuel exports to India, the world’s fourth-largest uranium production, were agreed upon in 2009. This has been stopped by the Pelindaba Treaty signed by Namibia, which restricts the movement of uranium from Africa to the rest of the world. If India joins the NSG, Namibia’s fears regarding India should be resolved.

Conclusion

With the current draught proposal for new members, India’s chances of getting accepted into the Nuclear Suppliers Group have increased. For India, being a member of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is a step in the right direction.

Consequently, India should take advantage of this opportunity to aggressively pursue nuclear energy expansion while maintaining safety and addressing public concerns simultaneously. This choice will increase renewable energy programmes and efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.