By NNN-PTI,
Vienna : The Nuclear Suppliers Group met here on Thursday to consider whether India should be allowed to resume civil nuclear trade with the world, a decision that appears to be a “tough” call as three nations raised questions even as New Delhi sought to allay fears over the initiative.
After the first day’s intense deliberations at the meeting of the 45-nation grouping and a special briefing by India for the member countries, New Delhi said it was “tough game” but expressed optimism about getting the exemption.
The grouping, that controls international nuclear trade, will meet again tomorrow for discussions on the crucial issue amid indications that there could be no decision during the two-day-long deliberations and another meeting could be called soon after to take the final view.
Assembling amid continued reservations of at least three member countries, the NSG considered a draft of the waiver which is to be adopted by the grouping by consensus.
The draft, moved by the US, recognises India’s Separation Plan of its nuclear facilities and contains “voluntary” commitments made by New Delhi towards ensuring non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.
The two-page draft takes note of India’s commitment to “continuing its unilateral moratorium” on nuclear tests and declaring its readiness to “work with others towards conclusion of a multilateral Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT).” After the first session of the NSG meet, India held a special briefing for all the NSG countries conveying its commitments towards non-proliferation and seeking to allay fears that some members have.