- Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a multinational body concerned with reducing nuclear proliferation by controlling the export and re-transfer of materials that may be applicable to nuclear weapon development and by improving safeguards and protection on existing materials.
- NSG was set up in 1974 as a reaction to India’s nuclear tests to stop what it called the misuse of nuclear material meant for peaceful purposes.
- Currently, it has 48 members.
- India is not a member yet.
- India sought membership of the NSG in 2008
- India’s application has not been decided upon because signing the NPT or other nuclear moratoriums on testing is a pre-requisite and India has not signed NPT.
- However, India has received a special waiver to conduct nuclear trade with all nuclear exporters.
- India, Pakistan, Israel and South Sudan are among the four UN member states which have not signed the NPT, the international pact aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons
Benefits of being an NSG member:
- Gets timely information on nuclear matters.
- Contributes by way of information.
- Has confirmed credentials.
- Can act as an instrument of harmonization and coordination.
- Is part of a very transparent process.