It’s learnt that based on this statement, countries like Switzerland and New Zealand were willing to reconsider their stand but the opposition from Austria remained strident. Elections are due soon here and the incumbent Social Democratic Party is in coalition with the Greens Party that is vehemently opposed to nuclear energy.

Sources said Austria conveyed that it fears domestic repercussions given the publicity this meeting has had in Vienna. Holding on steadfastly with the Austrians are the Irish who are traditionally strong NPT votaries. Both the countries are insisting some language directly referring to testing in the NSG draft.

From an Indian standpoint, sources said, all efforts were being made to get the exemption past the group today but at some point, the hope is that the majority may weigh down on the last of the few sceptics.

The long 48 hours

•Out of 45 NSG countries, how many were the first to wave the red flag?

Six countries: Austria, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand and Switzerland

•When 39 countries supported the n-deal, why did these 6 hold out?

They have strong non-proliferation lobbies at work at home, and tough domestic laws.

New Zealand and Austria are going to polls.

•Does the determined opposition mean the US and India read the NSG wrong?

It was always known that the NSG would be tough, but the squeezing of the calendar has led to this situation. Originally, the NSG phase was supposed to be spread over 6 weeks.

... contd.