Will support India's bid for membership at NSG meet next week: Russia President Putin

Saint Petersburg: Russia has decided to support India's bid for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership as President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said that he would raise the matter at a meeting in Seoul. 

The NSG members meeting are scheduled to begin from June 20. 

'India's NSG membership bid will be discussed'

Speaking exclusively to India Today, Putin said that he would not only raise the matter at NSG members meeting next week but will also take up the matter with China that on what basis are they opposing India's NSG membership bid. 

Adding further, he said that bids of other nations who have applied for membership will be taken into consideration by the 48-members NSG panel.

Putin signals support for India's bid

While the Russian President said that Russia has been supportive of India's global ambitions from the UN Security Council to the nuclear deal, Putin, at the same time, indicated that the matter will be taken within the framework of international law. He also added that India has always been active over over nuclear safety.

On the question of Indo-US relation

Talking about the increasing friendship between India and the United States, Putin asserted that India and Russia are not going to have any impact on their relationships. According to Putin, India and Russia share old ties with each other. Adding further, he said that Russia doesn't have any issues with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policies. 

China opposing India's bid for NSG

China, who has been vehemently opposing India's NSG bid, said that New Delhi's membership will not only touch a raw nerve in Pakistan and increase a nuclear arms race but also 'jeopardise' Beijing's national interests.

The NSG looks after critical issues relating to nuclear sector and its members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology. The group works under the principle of unanimity and even one country's vote against India will scuttle its bid.

China has maintained that non-NPT signatories should not be admitted into NSG on the grounds that it would undermine efforts to prevent proliferation.