NSG draft doesn’t make NPT, CTBT binding on India

According to the draft, the 45 member countries have “taken note of steps that India has taken voluntarily as a contributing partner in the non-proliferation regime and they welcome India’s efforts with respect to the non-proliferation commitments and actions”.

The draft then lists those actions and commitments made by India. They are: “Deciding to separate its civilian nuclear facilities in a phased manner and file a declaration regarding its civilian nuclear facilities with the International Atomic Energy Agency”.

“Continuing its unilateral moratorium on nuclear tests and declaring its readiness to work with others towards conclusion of a multilateral Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty.” “Refraining from transferring enrichment and reprocessing technology to states that do not already possess these.”

It also outlined India’s negotiations with the IAEA and approval of its Board of Governors regarding a Safeguards Agreement for application to civilian nuclear facilities that is in accordance with IAEA standards, principles and practices (including Board of Governors document GOV/1621) and committing to sign and adhere to an Additional Protocol with respect to India’s civil nuclear facilities.

The NSG draft says, “participating governments may transfer trigger list items and/or related technology to India for peaceful purposes and for use in safeguarded civilian nuclear facilities provided that the transfer satisfies all other provisions of Part 1.”

“The participating governments may transfer nuclear-related dual use equipment, etc. for peaceful purposes for use in civilian nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, provided that the transfer satisfies all other provisions of Part 2,” the draft said.