G8's NPT stance may undermine nuclear supplies to India

The insistence of the G8 nations on curbing transfer of nuclear enrichment technology to countries that are not signatories to the Non-Proliferation treaty is likely to undermine the Nuclear Supplier Group's "clean waiver' on nuclear supplies to India.

While the Nuclear Suppliers Group had voted on a "clean waiver" on nuclear supplies to India and this country has signed agreements with Russia, France and the United States for nuclear supplies, the US and other G8 member nations are now insisting that all countries sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and implement the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty without delay.

The G8 that includes the nuclear club have now vowed to curb transfer of enrichment and reprocessing (ENR) technology and equipment to all non-signatories of NPT.

In a joint statement on non-proliferation issued at the close of the L'Aquila summit, the G-8 nations have asked other members of the 45-nation NSG to reach a consensus on banning transfer of ENR to countries, which are not signatories to NPT.     

The summit in L'Aquila in Italy was attended by prime minister Manmohan Singh also. 

"To reduce the proliferation risks associated with the spread of enrichment and reprocessing facilities, equipment and technology, we welcome the progress that continues to be made by the NSG on mechanisms to strengthen controls on transfers of such enrichment and reprocessing items and technology," the statement said.