India & the NPT

The US has proposed that adherence to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) need not be a “pre-requisite” for India’s membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), but a suggestion, or a “factor to be considered”. If this finds broader acceptance within the NSG, India’s entry could become easier. The 45-nation nuclear club is meeting for its plenary in The Hague this week. In a paper circulated among NSG members, the US, which had committed to supporting India’s quest for membership to international non-proliferation regimes — NSG, Australia Group, Wassenaar Arrangement and Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)—has put a set of proposals to other members for India’s accession. India has not signed the NPT and is unlikely to do so, because it considers the treaty to be inherently discriminatory and one that has outlived its usefulness.