US reaffirm support for India’s membership in Nuclear Suppliers Group
New Delhi, June 29: The United States of America on Thursday reaffirmed its support to India’s membership in Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
The United States Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Nikki Haley while addressing press gathering in New Delhi said, “India, a nuclear state, is respected widely because it is a responsible democracy. US also support India's membership in Nuclear Suppliers Group."
She further said, "One of the most important and crucial things that India and the US share is freedom of religion. Our nations can only be held together with tolerance and respect." Hailing PM Modi’s views at the Shangri-la Dialogue, Nikki Haley said, "At the Shangri-la Dialogue, Prime Minister Modi spoke about free and open Indo-Pacific region. US President Donald Trump believes in this vision. India's vision is aspirational and realistic."
Praising Indians for their work ethic and deep love for education, Haley said, "Indians have treated me like one of their own. As Governor, I would begin all my speeches by mentioning that I am the daughter of Indian immigrants. The work ethic and deep love for education amongst Indians makes me proud."
Nikki Haley who is on a three-day visit to India also met to External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj and PM Modi and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries, including on counter-terrorism.
BACKGROUND:
India, for the past two year trying hard to get the membership of NSG but due to China’s strong oppose and two-step non-discriminatory approach not letting India gain the membership. Many of the other countries including US, Japan, Switzerland, South Africa etc have already given access to India to get the membership in NSG.
China stands firm on its decision as it says that non-NPT countries cannot get the membership in NSG. Notably, India has not signed Non-Proliferation Treaty. On the other side, after seeing India heading towards NSG membership Pakistan has also demanded NSG membership without signing NPT.
Importantly, 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.
Whereas, NPT is commonly known as the Non-Proliferation Treaty is an international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament.