US urges non-supporting countries to back India’s NSG bid

The United States, which backed India’s bid for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), has written to non-supportive countries not to block the admission.

During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s US visit, President Barack Obama had welcomed India to the 48-member grouping.

"The United States calls on Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) participating governments to support India's application when it comes up at the NSG plenary, which I think is next week," said state department Spokesman John Kirby.

US secretary of state John Kerry had also written to the NSG member countries that are not supportive of India's bid, saying they should "agree not to block consensus on Indian admission".

A joint statement issued after talks between Modi and Obama said the US called on NSG participating governments to support India's application when it comes up at the NSG Plenary later this month.

India, though not a member, enjoys the benefits of membership under a 2008 exemption to NSG rules for its atomic cooperation deal with the US.

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

The US support has come a day after expressed concern about India's entry, saying it will "shake" the strategic balance in South Asia and make India a "legitimate" nuclear power.