India has been eagerly waiting to be part of an elite club of nations that have control over trade in advanced nuclear technologies known as the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The group is expected to consider India's entry into it in its plenary in June 2016. Being part of the NSG will give India access to nuclear fuel and technology
Here are a few things you need to know about NSG
1. NSG is a group of nuclear supplier countries that aim to ensure the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons
2. The 48-nation group do this by controlling the export of materials, equipment and technology for the manufacture nuclear weapons
3. European Commission (the executive body of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the EU treaties and managing the day-to-day business of the EU) is the Permanent Observer of NSG
4. Some of the prominent member nations in NSG include the United States, the United Kingdoms, Australia, Germany, France, Japan, China, Turkey, South Korea and South Africa
5. The member nations are expected to sign a Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The objective of NPT is to make sure nuclear weapons and weapons technology do not fall into the wrong hands, but is used for only peaceful purposes
6. The NPT include non-proliferation (states without nuclear weapons will not acquire them), disarmament (states with nuclear weapons will pursue disarmament), and peaceful use of nuclear energy
7. Factors taken into consideration for granting entry into NSG include the ability to supply materials, equipment and technology for producing nuclear weapons; adherence to NSG Guidelines and a domestic export control system in accordance with the guidelines and support of attempts to non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.
