[Answered] “Entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group is India’s legitimate right.” In light of this discuss the need and importance of entry of India into NSG.

The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) was created following the explosion in 1974 of a nuclear device by a non-nuclear-weapon State (India), which demonstrated that nuclear technology transferred for peaceful purposes could be misused. It is a group of nuclear supplier countries that seeks to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons through the implementation of sets of Guidelines for nuclear exports and nuclear-related exports. The NSG takes decisions by consensus. India is keen to become a member of NSG as it seeks to significantly expand its nuclear power generation and also enter the export market in coming years.

Why India is a legitimate entrant to NSG?

1. India has maintained an exceptional record in nuclear non-proliferation despite not being any under legal obligation. India had been an ardent supporter of complete nuclear disarmament in all major international floras such as NAM, UN etc.
2. It has maintained a strong commitment to controlling exports of nuclear materials, equipment and technologies.
3. After 1998 nuclear tests when India became a nuclear weapon state, India tightened its systems further by introducing new laws and for nearly a decade, has been a voluntary adherent to the NSG guidelines.
4. It has been a voluntary adherent to the NSG guidelines for last one decade.
5. The exceptional waiver provided by the NSG in 2008 was an acknowledgement of India’s non-proliferation record.
6. India has declared moratorium on the underground nuclear weapons testing which is in accordance with the spirit of NPT. This shows that India has abided by the non-proliferation rules even without being a party to NPT.
7. India pledged to subject its nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards and currently 14 out of 23 nuclear reactors are already under IAEA safeguard.
8. Autonomous institute like AEC to keep strict vigil on nuclear facilities; advanced security provisions in nuclear sites; stable democracy with diffused decision making power
9. Also, India’s need for developing nuclear weapons is not driven by any misguided agenda to pursue regional dominance or to strong arm neighbouring states, but by pragmatic realisation of threat from China and Pakistan, both nuclear powered states, one communists and other failed democratic state in the immediate neighbourhood. India has also committed to the policy of no-first use.

Importance of India’s entry into NSG:

1. Membership to the NSG will essentially increase India’s access to state-of-the-art technology from the other members of the Group.
2. Access to technology and being allowed to produce nuclear equipment will give a boost to the Make in India program. That will, in turn, boost the economic growth of our country.
3. As per India’s INDC under the Paris Climate agreement, we have committed to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and ensuring that 40% of its energy is sourced from renewable and clean sources. In order to achieve this target, we need to scale up nuclear power production. This can only happen if India gains access to the NSG.
4. It will improve legitimacy of India’s nuclear programme and India can sign nuclear deal with more countries for civilian use.
5. India will become an active member in stopping the proliferation of nuclear material . Will get more information about how much nuclear material is possessed by which country. 2 of its neighbour are nuclear state which threat to India’s security.
6. Many countries have refused to signed civil nuclear deal with India because it is not a signatory of NPT or not a member of NSG. Eg. Japan. For India’s energy security Nuclear reactors are necessary.

India should aggressively keep pursuing entrance to NSG that would help India in the development of nuclear energy while providing the essential emphasis on safety and addressing concerns of the public. It will also pave the way for clean energy initiatives and continued focus to achieve our commitments to reduce the carbon footprint pledged during the climate summit.