As IAEA reads draft, US ready with next step: note for NSG

With time being key to the process from now on, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sought the support of German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the G8 Summit in Toyako as Germany is currently the chair of the NSG. Sources said Singh got a “very positive” response. Berlin’s assistance would be vital in scheduling NSG meetings in time for the nuclear deal to go through in the Bush Administration.

In his meeting earlier this week with ambassadors of 25 NSG countries in Delhi, US Ambassador David Mulford conveyed that Washington does have a prepared draft for the NSG that it will circulate soon. He is also said to have underlined that while US understood that NSG members may want to introduce amendments in the draft, it would be counterproductive to introduce provisions on nuclear testing or adding commitments for New Delhi to accept the CTBT as that would make it impossible for India to move ahead.

This is a direct reflection of Indian concerns after Washington circulated a draft to the NSG two years ago that was unacceptable to India and was subsequently withdrawn. The draft had then talked about India committing itself to implementing objectives of the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty. It had also given the option for individual countries to first satisfy themselves of India’s non-proliferation commitments before making any supplies.

Soon after, India had raised the matter with US and the draft was withdrawn. Then, India made it clear that it wants a “clean exemption” with no references to India’s right to test.

While the Bush Administration agreed to this and is now pushing for an exemption acceptable to India, a huge diplomatic effort will be needed not just by US, but also India to get other NSG members to come on board. Countries like Ireland and New Zealand have serious problems with the principle of making such an exemption.

In this context, Burns’ first visit to India assumes significance as it will allow Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon to discuss details of the strategy to be followed in the days ahead. National Security Advisor M K Narayanan had held talks on the sidelines of the G8 meetings with US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte.