Nuclear Suppliers Group

India's nuclear journey began with the 1974 'Peaceful Nuclear Explosion' at Pokhran, making it the sixth nation to harness atomic power for defence. Driven by regional security concerns, India conducted the 'Operation Shakti' tests in 1998, solidifying its status as a nuclear power. These advancements underscore India's strategic capabilities and technological prowess.

Fifty-two years ago, India detonated a nuclear device in Rajasthan's Thar desert, codenamed 'Smiling Buddha'. This event, coinciding with Buddha Purnima, marked India's entry into the nuclear club. Despite being officially termed a 'peaceful nuclear explosion', the test ignited debate and reshaped India's global standing, demonstrating scientific self-reliance and announcing strategic intent.

China's secret nuclear expansion in Sichuan, revealed by satellite imagery, signals a significant jump in its production capabilities. This build-up, including new high-security complexes, directly impacts India's strategic balance and exposes gaps in global nuclear governance. The developments raise concerns of a renewed arms race as rules appear to be applied unevenly.

France has asked the members of Nuclear Suppliers Group to take a "positive decision" on India's membership bid. "India's entry into NSG will bolster global efforts for combating proliferation," France said backing India's claim.

BEIJING: China, a major nuclear power, on Friday became a full-fledged member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

R B Grover, principal adviser to the Department of Atomic Energy, is proceeding to Washington next week in an atmosphere where Indo-Japan nuclear deal is facing roadblocks and the 46-member Nuclear Suppliers Group is imposing restrictions on the supply of ENR technology and equipment.

A wary government said on Monday that any "unilateral" decision by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) cannot supersede the clean waiver granted to India by the group in 2008 for carrying out nuclear commerce.

After the US and Russia, France said on Friday that the NSG guidelines are not going to undermine the waiver which allowed India entry into the field of civil nuclear commerce.

Just ahead of the Obama visit, the US continues to sound non-committal about support to India for a permanent seat at the UNSC.

As the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) meets for a plenary session in The Hague next week, India said it was opposed to any move to restrict enrichment and reprocessing technology (ENR) by the 45-nation body.

China on Monday extended conditional support for India's Nuclear Suppliers Group membership bid but said "prudence and caution" needs to be exercised on the issue, a day after US President Barack Obama backed India's inclusion into the elite 48-member body.

As India inches towards a membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the China-Pakistan nuclear transfer is a sign of the growing impotence of the high priesthood of nuclear affairs.

In a bold move, India on Sunday said that achieving its climate goals may be linked to issues like its membership to the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group — held up due to China's opposition — and availability of technology as it sought to push for the inclusion of differentiated responsibilities that seeks the developed West to fulfil its commitments.

Foreign minister S Jaishankar said Tuesday India will never accept any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo on India's borders. While he didn't name China, he said any departure from established understandings will evoke "its own responses".

France has decided to honour Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan with Legion of France, its highest distinction - civilian or military.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed a joint press conference with visiting US President Barack Obama in New Delhi on Monday.

reflecting their desire to deepen the strategic partnership, India and Germany have for the first time discussed the possibilities of entering into bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy.

In its quest for membership to the NSG, India has come up against a Turkish obstacle: Ankara says it wants a "clarification" or assurance on non-proliferation.

The US has sought more information from China on its agreement to supply two nuclear reactors to Pakistan, saying the deal would need an agreement of the NSG.

The US has proposed that adherence to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty need not be a "pre-requisite" for India's membership to Nuclear Suppliers Group, but a suggestion, or a "factor to be considered".

The US decision to move India into tier-1 of licence exception for export of sensitive defence and high-end technologies is being seen as a reaffirmation of US support for India’s Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership bid.

India is “studying” the new Nuclear Suppliers Group guidelines about tightening of export of enrichment and reprocessing technologies, government officials said.

India says its hopeful China will see the logic of having India inside the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Briefing journalists, MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, “We had fruitful talks between the disarmament and international security affairs division and Chinese lead negotiator"

In a bid to strengthen bilateral ties, Australian government could review and lift the long standing ban on uranium export to India later this year, a media report said today.

Taking his stance on the 'Civil Nuclear Liability Act' introduced in the Indian Parliament, he says, "Voicing for total liability cap will deter the investment bankers to face up the huge economic responsibility.

Mathai travelled to Vienna on Wednesday to meet the NSG troika — the US, the Netherlands and New Zealand.

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) on Wednesday cleared the proposed Rajasthan Atomic Power Station Units 7 and 8.