Union Cabinet briefed on deliberations of NSG

Narayanan briefed the Cabinet on request from the Prime Minister, Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi told reporters.

The deliberations at the NSG meeting from September 4 were intense and full of suspense as six countries 8212; Austria, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Ireland and The Netherlands 8212; had reservations to the grant of the waiver till virtually the last moment.

China, which had initially remained neutral, also joined these countries at the later stage, compounding tension for India and the US.

The US had give a push at the highest level to ensure that the waiver was granted.

India, which is not a member of the NSG, also nudged countries to support the waiver.