Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)

Nuclear Suppliers Group: Formed in 1975, the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) consists of 48 countries that have chosen to work together on controlling the export of nuclear-related items to countries without nuclear weapons.

The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a traditional international group of nuclear supplier countries that controls the spreading of nuclear weapons by regulating nuclear exports and nuclear-related exports. The main aim of this forum is to control terrorism all over the world by safeguarding the existing nuclear materials.

In this article, we will discuss the historical background, objectives, and other attached details of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in depth.

What is Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)?

The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) was created in 1974 after India’s first successful nuclear weapon test mission i.e. “Operation Smiling Buddha” under Smt. Indira Gandhi’s tenure as Prime Minister. Generally, it was a retaliation of the contemporary nuclear superpowers against India’s first successful nuclear weapon test which is not a formal organization. The founding members of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) were Canada, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, West Germany, the Soviet Union, and the United States of America. They met for the very first time in London in November 1975. This first meet is popularly known as the “London Club”. There are now 48 supplier states that are active members of this group. Let us see a general overview of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). 

Important Details about Nuclear Suppliers Group

The below table provides all the important details about the Nuclear Suppliers Group:

Formation Year	1974
Headquarters	Vienna, Austria
Purpose	To control the export of nuclear materials, equipment, and technology to prevent nuclear proliferation.
Founding Members	Canada, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, West Germany, the Soviet Union, and the United States of America.
Total Members Till Now	48
Key Principles	Non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Safeguard the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Promoting cooperation in the process of peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Notable Events	Played a crucial role in responding to nuclear proliferation concerns.
Current Status	Active

Functions – Nuclear Suppliers Group

The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a traditional international group of nuclear supplier countries that controls the spreading of nuclear weapons by regulating nuclear exports and nuclear related exports. Here are the major functions of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) as mentioned below.

• Set The Guidelines: The NSG sets the guidelines for the members to stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
• Control The Nuclear Material Export: It controls the export process of nuclear and nuclear-related items that can be used for both military and civilian purposes.
• Membership: The NSG also can make decisions about the admission of new members to the group.
• Transparency: The forum promotes transparency in the export of nuclear-related items by sharing information about its activities. It encourages its members to provide regular reports about their export control activities.
• Consultations: The NSG provides a dedicated forum for its members to consult with each other about matters related to the export of new nuclear items.

Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)

Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear Suppliers Group both organizations are interconnected with each other to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Let us discuss in detail:

• The NPT is a treaty that prevents the spreading of nuclear weapons by promoting disarmament.
• It is open to all countries all over the world who satisfy the NPT terms.
• It promotes the non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy for mankind.
• NPT provides support to international cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear power for technology purposes.
• The NPT has been ratified by 191 countries till now.

Importance of Nuclear Supplier Group India Membership

India is not a a member of Nuclear Suppliers Group. China has clarified that India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group was not on the agenda of the plenary of the grouping. It was concluded in Nur-Sultan (Kazakhstan) on 21st June, 2019. Here are some important insights about why India should join Nuclear Suppliers Group as mentioned below:

• It will help India to maintain the technological relationships with the other countries in the World.
• It will help significantly in the Make in India Program which will boost the Indian economy by the manufacturing or production of nuclear equipment to export.
• To achieve the agreement under the Paris Climate of Intended Nationally Determined Contribution agreement, India promises the use clean and renewable sources of energy instead of fossil fuels. India needs the Nuclear Suppliers Group membership or should become part of NSG.
• India can make a good relationship with Namibia which is the 4th largest uranium producer in the world. At this moment, Namibia is unable to sell nuclear products due to the Pelindaba Treaty.

Why Nuclear Suppliers Group is not accepting India as its Member?

The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) constantly denies the request of India to accept as a member. Here are some major reasons behind it as mentioned below:

• China’s denial is a major cause for which India is not able to crack the membership of NSG.
• India has not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) till now.
• Countries need to sign the NPT to become a member of the NSG.
• China’s interest in Pakistan as a member of the NSG. If Pakistan becomes a member then no one can stop India from becoming a member.
• All 48 members of NSG have not reached the same decision to let India become an NSG member.

Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) Members

There are now 48 supplier states that are active members of this group. Here are the details as mentioned below.

48 Members Of The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
Member Name	Joining Year	Member Name	Joining Year
Argentina	1994	Australia	1978
Austria	1991	Belarus	2000
Cyprus	2000	Czech Republic	1978
Denmark	1984	Estonia	2004
Ireland	1984	Italy	1978
Japan	1974	Kazakhstan	2002
New Zealand	1994	Norway	1989
Poland	1978	Portugal	1986
South Africa	1995	Spain	1988
Sweden	1978	Switzerland	1978
Belgium	1978	Finland	1980
Latvia	1997	Romania	1990
Turkey	2000	Brazil	1996
France	1974	Lithuania	2004
Republic of Korea	1995	Ukraine	1996
Bulgaria	1984	Germany	1974
Luxembourg	1984	Russia	1974
U.K.	1974	Canada	1974
Greece	1984	Malta	2004
Serbia	2013	U.S.	1974
China	2004	Hungary	1985
Mexico	2012	Slovakia	1978
Croatia	2005	Iceland	2009
Netherlands	1978	Slovenia	2000

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Summary – Nuclear Suppliers Group

The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) was formed in 1974 to control the export of nuclear materials and technology. It has 48 member countries, including the founding members like the U.S., U.K., and others. The NSG aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons by regulating exports and promoting peaceful use of nuclear energy. India, not a member of NSG, seeks membership for technological collaboration and economic benefits. However, challenges include India not signing the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and China’s opposition. The NSG plays a crucial role in global non-proliferation efforts, setting guidelines, controlling nuclear exports, and promoting transparency among member countries.

FAQs – Nuclear Suppliers Group

Why India is not part of NSG?

India is not part of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). India have not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). NPT is a key requirement to get NSG membership. On the other hand, China’s denial is a major cause for which India is not able to crack the membership of NSG.

How many countries are there in Nuclear Suppliers Group?

The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) have 48 active member countries. Canada, Japan, France, the United Kingdom,West Germany, the Soviet Union, and the United States of America are the founding members of it.

Is India a member of NPT?

No, India is not a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). India chose not to sign the treaty. India is considered as a nuclear-armed state outside the NPT framework.

How many members are there in the Nuclear Suppliers Group?

The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) has 48 participating government. These countries work together to control nuclear exports and prevent nuclear proliferation.

Who is the biggest nuclear supplier?

The United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom are often considered the biggest nuclear suppliers. All together they known as the P5. They are recognized nuclear superpowers under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).