What you need to know about the Nuclear

Suppliers Group
Dawn.com Updated about 4 hours ago
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The Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) is a 48-nation club committed to limiting nuclear arms
proliferation by overseeing the export, re-transfer and protection of sensitive materials that could
foster nuclear weapons development.
It was formed in 1974 following the India's nuclear test, which demonstrated that nuclear
technology transferred for peaceful purposes could be used to build nuclear weapons.
Guidelines for the group were published in 1978 by the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA), which were to be applied to nuclear transfers for peaceful purposes to help ensure that
such transfers would not fall victim to a harmful nuclear fuel cycle or be used in nuclear
explosive activities.
The aim of the NSG Guidelines is to ensure that nuclear trade for peaceful purposes does not
pave way to the proliferation of nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices, and that
international trade and cooperation in the nuclear field is not hindered unjustly in the process.
The NSG Guidelines facilitate the development of trade in this area by providing the means
whereby obligations to facilitate peaceful nuclear cooperation can be implemented in a manner
consistent with international nuclear non-proliferation norms.
In 1992, the NSG established guidelines for transfers of nuclear-related dual-use equipment,
material and technology (items which have both nuclear and non-nuclear applications), which
could make a significant contribution to unprotected nuclear fuel cycle or nuclear explosive
activity.
-AFP/File
Over the course of these years, the NSG has made numerous legislative reforms such as adopting
a catch-all mechanism in the NSG guidelines, to provide a national legal basis to control the
export of nuclear related items that are not on the control lists.
How does the NSG work?

When considering a new nation to be admitted into the group, the NSG has certain prerequisites
countries have to meet.
The country should have the ability to supply items, including items in transit. The country
should adhere to and act in accordance with the guidelines of the group.
The nation needs to also implement a legally based domestic export control system which gives
authorisation to the commitment to act in accordance with the guidelines.
Adherence to one or more of the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty), the Treaties of Pelindaba,
Rarotonga, Tlatelolco, Bangkok, Semipalatinsk or an equivalent international nuclear nonproliferation agreement, and full compliance with the obligations of such agreement(s).
They also have to pledge their support of international efforts towards non-proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction and of their delivery vehicles.
Upon admittance of a potential member, the NSG has to vote on it first.
All members have to vote in favour; only a consensus can allow the admission of another nation,
if any member votes against inclusion of a new country, the motion will not go through.
Why it's important for countries involved
Pakistan applied for the membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group on May 20, saying its
inclusion would help further non-proliferation objectives.
Pakistan has formally asked the US administration and the Congress to support its application for
joining the NSG after it submitted an official application in Vienna, expressing its desires to join
the group on solid grounds of technical experience, capability and well-established commitment
to nuclear safety.
However, both US administration and Congress look unwilling to lend their support for
Pakistans cause.
Pakistan urges that its inclusion in the 48-nation club is in the interest of nuclear trading
countries, as it will further promote NSG non-proliferation objectives by the inclusion of a state
with nuclear supply capabilities and its adherence to the NSG Guidelines.
Pakistan's request for membership of the group came after India's application for membership. If
admitted, India would be part of the decision mechanism, and would have say in decisions of
nuclear commerce and will eventually have the ability to sell equipment.
Pakistan argues that in the wake of India gaining easy access to fissile material and technology
for its civilian nuclear programme, it would have that much more material for its military nuclear
programme.

Pakistan has the expertise, manpower, infrastructure and the ability to supply NSG controlled
items, goods and services for a full range of nuclear applications for peaceful uses, said Tasnim
Aslam, head of the UN desk at the Foreign Office.
India gaining NSG membership will eventually lead to a nuclear arms race.
-AFP/File
If India gains membership it will be the only participating country that has not signed the
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, a requirement for being part of the NSG.
Many countries that initially opposed its entry, such as Australia, have changed stance; Mexico
and Switzerland are the latest to voice support.
Since 2010, the US administration has been actively supporting Indias efforts. It has repeatedly
given exemptions to India and recently Obama officially endorsed Indias application to join the
group.
Only one participating country stands in between Indias inclusion into the NSG China. Until
China accepts Indias entry, there is no hope of membership since the decision has to be a
consensus among all active members.
China argues admission in the group should be norm based, and rules applied to give India
membership should also apply to all new entrants.