India briefs NSG members - allays fears

21 August 2008

Vienna: An Indian delegation, led by foreign secretary Shivshankar Menon briefed representatives of 45 member nations of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) for about 30 minutes on Thursday. According to participants, the special briefing was held in a "positive" atmosphere and was described as being "good and useful".

It is understood that the delegation detailed India's case, conveying the country's commitments and impeccable track record towards non-proliferation and sought to allay members' doubts.

"Some issues were raised which were useful and constructive," a participant was quoted as saying.

The meeting between the Indian delegation and representatives of the NSG came soon after the first session of what is slated to be a two-day meeting of the group. According to reports, Menon and the prime minister's special envoy, Shyam Saran, met representatives of NSG countries separately in groups after the collective briefing and dealt with queries and issues raised by delegates.

There were no comments from the Indian delegation about the day's proceedings.

India was provided the opportunity to hold the briefing as it is not a member of the NSG. The suppliers group regulates international nuclear trade. The special briefing takes place amidst a widely reported story which claims that at least three countries -- Austria, Ireland and New Zealand -- continue to express reservations over the move to grant exemptions to India over supply of nuclear materials and technology.