Modi’s Trip to South Africa Could Kickstart NSG Talks

A clear statement of support is not expected, but officals have said that the NSG issue is expected to be discussed

Narendra Modi arrives in South Africa, where he is expected to discuss India’s NSG bid with his South African counterpart. (Photo Courtesy: Twitter/Vikas Swarup)

Upon the Prime Minister’s arrival in Pretoria on Thursday, MEA officials expressed hope that his visit to South Africa could serve as a chance to kick-start what could be the next round of talks for India’s membership bid to the NSG.

Interestingly, South Africa is the first NSG country that the Prime Minister is visiting since India’s hit a roadblock at the plenary session in Seoul. Before that, Mr. Modi had personally discussed the issue in Switzerland, US, and Mexico, winning from each visit an assurance of support.

But, along with Switzerland and China, South Africa also raised concerns in Seoul on India’s bid.

You must understand the backdrop to South Africa’s hesitation regarding NSG. When South Africa ended apartheid, it also destroyed its nuclear arsenal which it revealed only later [in 1993]. Therefore, it retains a strong interest in non-proliferation.

Rajiv Bhatia, former High Commissioner to Pretoria 

South Africa has also hinted that it is ready to discuss the issue with India. (Photo Courtesy: Twitter/Vikas Swarup)

India now rests its hopes of membership to the NSG on evolving a consensus on a session later this year.

We will continue our pursuit of the NSG membership as well as other nuclear regimes this year.

An official to&nbsp;<i><a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/prime-minister-narendra-modi-arrives-in-south-africa-on-his-fiveday-africa-visit/article8820278.ece?homepage=true">The Hindu</a></i>

There is no clarification on whether there will be a clear statement of support from President Jacob Zuma, but officials have said that the issue will be discussed when PM Modi meets the South African President on Friday.

South Africa has been very supportive of India in the last NSG. Of course you may have read some reports to the contrary but let me tell you before you ask me the question, that they have actually been quite supportive

Amar Sinha, Secretary, Economic Relations in the MEA

South Africa has also hinted that it is ready to discuss the issue with India. Earlier in the week, South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane confirmed that talks on the NSG issue “could come up”during the visit.