US backs India’s bid for nuclear group membership

07 June, Washington

The United States has backed India’s bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), saying that by becoming the member of the elite grouping the country would be in a stronger position to be a “good citizen” on proliferation- related issues.

Deputy National Security Advisor Benjamin Rhodes told a Washington audience that the US has gone down the path of the civil nuclear agreement with India, and have invested a significant amount of time in building up their cooperation with India as it relates to nuclear security.

Rhodes remarks on India came in response to a question about why some countries like China are opposing India’s membership in the 48-member NSG.

He said the US believed that engaging India and trying to bring it into international processes will be more effective in promoting the country’s security protocols.