Why India failed to enter NSG, ask Sitaram Yechury, others

NEW DELHI: Several MPs wanted to know the reasons for India’s failure to secure admission into the Nuclear Suppliers Group ( NSG) from the Ministry of External Affairs at the meeting of the Consultative Committee whose key agenda was to discuss India’s BRICS chair and the upcoming BRICS Conference.

Some MPs flagged off the issue right at the start, seeking a briefing on what led to the Seoul disappointment. The MPs also sought to know about the government’s assessment of the situation and the possibilities of India finding entry in NSG. ET has learnt that MEA indicated that the impression that Brazil and Switzerland and some other nations opposed India’s inclusion in the NSG was probably inaccurate. The ministry indicated to the MPs that only China had raised objections on the grounds of ‘principle’ and the NPT regime. MEA officials informed the MPs that it was discussed at the Seoul meet that a special plenary be held to take up India’s candidacy. It was also expected that wider consultations under the chairpersonship of the Argentine diplomat will be held.

CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury and CPI’s D Raja were learnt to be among those who sought details on NSG besides other MPs.