Indian Membership of the Nuclear Supplier Group: An Appraisal
Abstract
In 1974, India surprised the world with a nuclear test; depicting that non-weapons
specific nuclear technology could be used to develop an atomic bomb. Consequently, in
1975, the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) was established to regulate trade of nuclear
materials and technology. Nevertheless, this did not prove to be an obstacle in India’s
way to become a nuclear power, as on May 11, 1998, it achieved its set goal. Soon after,
India begun its quest to become a NSG member. The United States (US) supported
India’s bid terming it to be a responsible nuclear-weapon state and a like-minded
country. Resultantly, in 2008, the NSG issued a special waiver to India allowing it access
to civil nuclear technology. Though, both India and the US considered this waiver to be
nothing more than a steppingstone to become a full member; thus, since then they have
accelerated their efforts to attain the set objective. Should India get through the NSG
membership as an exception? This paper critically analyzes India’s case to be a NSG
member and its implications on the region in general and Pakistan in particular.