Despite Mexico and Switzerland assuring support, China refuses to budge, demands membership for Pakistan as well
Vienna/New Delhi: Though India yesterday secured Mexico’s support for its membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) that controls access to sensitive nuclear technology but as the 48-nation club met in Vienna, China continued to oppose India’s bid.
Diplomacy over dinning table: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto have dinner at a restaurant in Mexico City yesterday. Pic/PTI
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The NSG began a two-day meeting yesterday in the Austrian capital to consider India’s application and diplomatic sources said most countries appeared positive towards India’s membership bid.
“It’s an ongoing process but most countries appear positive,” said the sources. India's membership is being strongly supported by the US.
However, reports from Vienna said that China was leading the opposition to India’s membership. Turkey, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa and Austria are said to be backing the Chinese stand.
China has been opposing India’s entry into the elite group, consistently maintaining that only signatories of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty should be admitted to NSG. China wants NSG membership for Pakistan if NSG extends exemption for India.
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