NSG waiver will strengthen non-proliferation regime: Canada

TORONTO: Canada today welcomed the "special waiver" for India by the 45-member NSG, saying it will strengthen the non-proliferation regime while allowing New Delhi to participate in the global nuclear trade.

The NSG, which governs the legal world trade in nuclear components and technology, approved the deal yesterday after three days of contentious talks and some concessions to countries fearful it could set a dangerous precedent.

"Canadas decision to join the NSG consensus marks a turning point in our relations with India and will help to facilitate a more comprehensive and robust bilateral relationship," David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said, supporting NSG's decision to allow nuclear trade with New Delhi.

Emerson said India is a "responsible democracy that shares with Canada the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights and respect for the rule of law".

"It has made substantial commitments to achieve the trust of the NSG, including a safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency that will allow the Agency to monitor additional civilian nuclear facilities in India," he stressed.

Number of associations and trade bodies, including Canada-India Foundation (CIF), Canada-India Business Council (CIBC) and Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) have also hailed the NSG's decision as an important milestone for bilateral ties.

They praised Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Foreign Minister Emerson for their leadership in seeking to end Canada's 34-years of "hostility" towards India and to begin a new era of relationship.