NSG draft: Govt did not budge

That India has not budged an inch and has not gone beyond what Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had told Parliament...

That India has not budged an inch and has not gone beyond what Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had told Parliament became evident, as the final draft of the Nuclear Suppliers8217; Group waiver became public on Sunday.

Contrary to the claim of some opposing factions, the only change 8212; or an addition 8212; has taken place where the NSG document refers to External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee8217;s statement on Saturday, spelling out India8217;s position on disarmament and non-proliferation. This statement, where India talked about its unilateral moratorium on testing, had the desired effect on NSG sceptics.

Referring to Mukherjee8217;s statement, the final draft says, 8220;Based on the commitments and actions mentioned above, as reiterated by India on September 5, 2008, and without prejudice to national positions thereon,8221; and outlines the final clauses of adoption where the NSG countries agree to transfer dual-use technology and trigger list items.

The waiver document, while referring to the actions 8220;mentioned above8221;, referred to the separation plan, the India-specific IAEA safeguards agreement, the Additional Protocol, the bar on transfer of enrichment and reprocessing technologies to countries who don8217;t have it, institution of a national export control system and harmonising it as per NSG guidelines and lastly, the unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing and readiness to work with others towards the conclusion of a multilateral Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty.

The draft makes it clear that the governments of the NSG countries will meet, in case circumstances arise 8212; a reference to nuclear testing. 8220;In the event that one or more Participating Governments consider that circumstances have arisen which require consultations, Participating Governments will act in accordance with paragraph 16 of the Guidelines.8221; It also says, 8220;With a view to intensification of dialogue and partnership with India, the Chairman is requested to confer and consult with India and keep the Plenary informed of these consultations.8221;

It also added that Participating Governments 8220;will maintain contact and consult through regular channels, including the Consultative Group and Plenary, on matters connected with the implementation of this Statement taking into account relevant international commitments or bilateral agreements with India.8221;

And, it concludes: 8220;in order to facilitate India8217;s adherence to INFCIRC/254/ Parts 1 and 2 and to remain current in its implementation of the Guidelines, the NSG Chair is requested to review proposed amendments to the Guidelines with India and inform the Plenary of the outcome of the dialogue with India.8221;