India's bid continues to be under consideration of NSG: Government

New Delhi: India's membership continues to be under consideration of the NSG and government was engaging with all members of the 48-nation grouping for an early decision on country's application, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said on Thursday. 

Noting that the recent Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) Plenary meeting in Seoul (June 23-24) concluded without a decision on India's membership, Singh said the broad sentiment within the NSG was to take this matter forward.

At the Plenary, China and some other countries had opposed entry of a non-NPT signatory into NSG.

Replying to a written question in Rajya Sabha, the minister also said that engagement was stepped up with China before the Seoul NSG Plenary.

"India's membership continues to be under consideration of the NSG. The merits of India's candidature have been recognised by a majority of the NSG members, including in formal bilateral Joint Statements. It is for the NSG to judge the merits of other candidates," Singh said.

He said government continues its engagement with the NSG participating government including China on the issue of India's membership of the NSG.

"India's membership has been supported by a large and diverse number of NSG members, including the US, France, UK, Russia, Canada, Australia, Germany, Netherlands and Japan. It is natural for India to move ahead on this issue by working with as broad a group of supporters as possible," Singh added.

Department of Atomic Energy has been actively associated with government's efforts on India's membership bid, he said.