By Ruma Dubey

The recent five-country visit by our PM was essentially about the NSG. And all reports, at least in the Indian media, say that it went very well and India could very well become a member.

For common people like us, NSG means something to do with nuclear”. That’s all that we know.  But what we learn today is that this membership is essential, a very big deal for  India. China is not supporting our entry and Pakistan has already said that it is more fit to get an entry than India. Most reports in foreign media, unless ours, say that India getting an entry into NSG seems highly unlikely.

Given this international politics in our entry to this elite club, let’s get our basics on NSG clear. So here goes…

Q: What exactly is this NSG?

A: Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a group of nuclear supplier countries that seek to prevent nuclear proliferation by controlling the export of materials, equipment and technology that can be used to manufacture nuclear weapons. In simple parlance this means members of NSG are allowed to trade in nuclear equipment and technology but not used for weaponry.

Q: What is the history of this NSG?

A: Interestingly, this cub was formed because of India – when we did the nuclear test, Pokhran I in May 1974, the NSG met in London for the very first time in 1975. It began with seven participating governments: Canada, West Germany, France, Japan, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Today, it has 48 members.

Q: Why is this entry such a big deal for India?

A: Two aspects to it – first technical and second, matter of pride.

Technically, a membership into NSG would mean that India too can become a nuclear supplier and this opens up another trade opportunity, which are usually high-value items. Despite not being a member, since 2008, India, already through a special waiver, is already doing nuclear trade but without a legal status; thus this entry will legitimize what we already doing.  Also currently all our nuclear technology is being developed indigenously; if it becomes a NSG member, India could get access to sophisticated technology while selling its own. Getting nucler material for making reactors and other materials will become easy.

It is also a matter or prestige as an entry into this club, with 48 members gives us an edge over so many other developing and even developed countries. It is one more sign which denotes that India has arrived!

Q: What is this controversy over NPT?

A: Non Proliferation Treaty or NPT is biased in many ways – apart from the Big % countries, all others cannot possess nuclear weapons; those already having a nuclear arsenal will have to destroy their weapons as per the treaty. This is biased because what the treaty means is that except for these five – USA, UK, France, China and Russia, no one else can own, develop nuclear weapons while all five , despite the treaty continue to hold weapons.  Though Russia and USA have reduced their nuclear arsenal, they continue to make and test new ones and hold much more than all other nations put together. It is also ironic that only the five permanent members of the UN are the ones who have the power to produce nuclear weapons, meaning clearly that this is pure power play.

Q: Why has India refused to sign the NPT?

A: Apart from being undemocratic and discriminatory, it’s a huge risk for India when it shares borders with China which holds a nuclear arsenal.  Signing the NPT would be a hara-kiri. India has maintained that these five nations need to give up their nuclear weapons or else, others will be forced to own and produce. This imbalance in ownership of nuclear weapons cannot exist.

Q: Why is India not being allowed to become a NSG member?

A: India, since 2008 has been trying to get this membership. It has got the support from all four NPT members now – USA, UK, France and Russia. China is totally against granting India an entry into NSG, so is New Zealand, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Ireland, Turkey, Austria and Pakistan. China’s contention is that a non signatory to the NPT cannot be given NSG membership; worse still, China, which a Pakistan ally said that if India is given membership, Pakistan should also be given.

Q: So where does this put India’s prospects of NSG membership?

A: Currently, it remains under a cloud. China, at least now, will NOT allow India. This gridlock has to be broken. PM is scheduled to meet the Chinese premier Xi at the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) summit later this month. The final verdict on a “yes” or a “no” is scheduled for 24^th June and till then, through diplomatic routes, Modi is trying to use Russia to convince the Chinese, Turkey and Kazakhstan. Truly speaking, it is unlikely that China will relent and some more years of work will be required. India’s dream, despite the efforts of the PM, will continue to remain a distant dream.