Russia in talks to clinch Chinese approval for India’s NSG Entry
NEW DELHI: Russia is negotiating with China in an attempt to facilitate India’s entry into the coveted Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Mikhail Ulyanov, head of disarmament division in Russia’s foreign ministry, currently in Delhi for consultations with Indian government, told ET that his government is in constant negotiations with China to enable India to become a member of NSG.
“In 2010 there was high level commitment by Russia to support India’s case in NSG. We remain committed to that. Moscow is talking with interlocutors in Beijing to narrow down their differences with Delhi to ensure entry,” Ulyanov said. “We are aware of contradictions between India and China on the issue. China is raising questions on the procedures to be followed for India’s entry.”
China is opposing India’s entry into the club, which will further India’s peaceful nuclear energy projects, on the grounds that India is not a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. It is demanding Pakistan’s entry into NSG as well if India is made a member.
Ulyanov said that while Russia is an NPT signatory it respects India’s position on the regime. He said that Russia’s representatives in all arms control and nuclear regimes have been instructed to support India’s entry into NSG.
“Over the years India and Russia have had similar positions on major global non-proliferation issues. India’s entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) last year opened up further areas of bilateral cooperation. Russia will give due consideration to any ideas or proposals that India puts forward for cooperation under MTCR,” Ulyanov said.
Since India’s entry into MTCR the two sides have been able to expand the range of jointly developed Brahmos missiles.
Mikhail Ulyanov, head of disarmament division in Russia’s foreign ministry, currently in Delhi for consultations with Indian government, told ET that his government is in constant negotiations with China to enable India to become a member of NSG.
“In 2010 there was high level commitment by Russia to support India’s case in NSG. We remain committed to that. Moscow is talking with interlocutors in Beijing to narrow down their differences with Delhi to ensure entry,” Ulyanov said. “We are aware of contradictions between India and China on the issue. China is raising questions on the procedures to be followed for India’s entry.”
China is opposing India’s entry into the club, which will further India’s peaceful nuclear energy projects, on the grounds that India is not a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. It is demanding Pakistan’s entry into NSG as well if India is made a member.
Ulyanov said that while Russia is an NPT signatory it respects India’s position on the regime. He said that Russia’s representatives in all arms control and nuclear regimes have been instructed to support India’s entry into NSG.
“Over the years India and Russia have had similar positions on major global non-proliferation issues. India’s entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) last year opened up further areas of bilateral cooperation. Russia will give due consideration to any ideas or proposals that India puts forward for cooperation under MTCR,” Ulyanov said.
Since India’s entry into MTCR the two sides have been able to expand the range of jointly developed Brahmos missiles.
