China and Pakistan join hands to block India’s entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group

It has been reported that China and Pakistan are closely coordinating moves to block India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

How?

China is using Pakistan’s non-starter position with the NSG to block India’s application
in the name of parity, stating that it would either support NSG entry for both India and Pakistan, or none of them.

Way ahead:

Pakistan is expected to write to all the NSG Participating Governments about its wish to join the group. This is being done in anticipation of an application by India for NSG membership at the forthcoming plenary session of the group in June. By taking the lead in rejecting the Pakistani application along with that of India, China would like to project its position as “neutral”.

About NSG:

Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a multinational body concerned with reducing nuclear proliferation by controlling the export and re-transfer of materials that may be applicable to nuclear weapon development and by improving safeguards and protection on existing materials.

• Interestingly, the NSG was set up in 1974 as a reaction to India’s nuclear tests to stop what it called the misuse of nuclear material meant for peaceful purposes.
• Currently, it has 48 members.

Once admitted, an NSG member state:

• Gets timely information on nuclear matters.
• Contributes by way of information.
• Has confirmed credentials.
• Can act as an instrument of harmonization and coordination.
• Is part of a very transparent process.