While China Opposes, France Backs India’s Entry into NSG

China opposes India’s entry into the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group saying it is not a signatory to the NPT.

China’s President Xi Jinping walks in front of Chinese senior officials during a ceremony (Photo: Reuters)

Amidst stiff opposition by China to India’s entry into NSG, France on Wednesday strongly backed New Delhi’s case, saying it will bolster global efforts against nuclear proliferation and asking the members states to take a “positive decision” in the Seoul plenary meeting.

China said on Wednesday that India’s entry into the bloc was not on the agenda as New Delhi was not a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). According to the Chinese foreign ministry, the meeting is only to deliberate on the entry application of countries that are parties to the NPT.

A key member of the 48-nation grouping, France also asserted that India’s participation in nuclear control regimes will help better regulate the export of sensitive goods, whether they are nuclear, chemical, biological, ballistic or conventional materials and technologies.

France considers that India’s entry into the four multilateral export control regimes (NSG, MTCR, The Australia Group, The Wassenaar Arrangement) will bolster international efforts for combating proliferation. India’s participation in these bodies will help better regulate the export of sensitive goods, whether they are nuclear, chemical, biological, ballistic or conventional materials or technologies. In line with its active and long-standing support to India’s entry to the NSG as a full-fledged member, France calls on its members, who are meeting on 23 June in Seoul, to take a positive decision. 

French Foreign Ministry

China maintains opposition to India’s entry, arguing that it has not signed Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). However, it has been batting for its close ally Pakistan’s entry if NSG extends any exemption for India.

(With PTI inputs.)