India wins NSG consensus

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who had invested his personal reputation and political prestige in the Indo-US nuclear deal eventually succeeded in getting the NSG waiver, a hurdle but necessity before going to conclude the nuclear pact.

“We welcome the decision earlier today of the Nuclear Suppliers Group to adjust its guidelines to enable full civil nuclear cooperation with India.

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This is a forward-looking and momentous decision,” said the Prime Minister adding that “It is a recognition of India’s impeccable non-proliferation credentials and its status as a state with advanced nuclear technology. It will give an impetus to India’s pursuit of environmentally sustainable economic growth.”

Allaying all apprehensions India finally emerged victorious in breaking off its 34-year-old nuclear isolation on Saturday after the Nuclear Suppliers' Group approved “clean and unconditional” exemption for India. It means, India will hence onwards be able to participate in purchasing global nuclear fuel and technology from the 45-member NSG countries.

An official statement reading out “NSG consensus to India ....” confirmed the NSG casting aside all doubts and apprehensions has put seal on the draft waiver. NSG waiver was the last hindrance in the way to Indo-US nuclear deal. Now, the deal as per the US timeframe would be tabled in the US Congress on September 8 for the discussions before taking birth as an Act.

Before the deal emerged as reality the US indulged in hard bargaining with the four major sceptical countries China, Austria, New Zealand and Ireland.

Austria and New Zealand were the major opponents to the deal chiefly because both are going to the polls and they have strong non-proliferation lobbies. It had become quite evident that Austria was the major obstacle in the waiver. Winning over Austria would mean NSG clearance; once Austria was convinced the other opponents fell in line.

Reportedly, several countries comprising China did not attend the final meeting. Reports also claiming President Bush’s intervention at the highest level speaking with Chinese President Hu Jintao helped in accumulating consensus.

It is also believed that India's statement on Friday asserting India is committed to “non-proliferation” and a “unilateral moratorium” on nuclear testing helped in the long run in convincing Austria. Reports say Austria felt reassured on its concerns after External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s statement.

Back to home, Congress party spokesperson Manish Tiwari after confirming report of NSG “clean and unconditional” waiver said: “It is a historic day for India. It is a red letter day."