NSG meets on India waiver issue, 3 nations raise questions

The Hindu
Aug 21, 2008

VIENNA: The Nuclear Suppliers Group met here on Thursday to consider whether India should be allowed to resume civil nuclear trade with the world, a decision that appears to be a "tough" call as three nations raised questions even as New Delhi sought to allay fears over the initiative. After the first day's intense deliberations at the meeting of the 45-nation grouping and a special briefing by India for the member countries, New Delhi said it was "tough game" but expressed optimism about getting the exemption. The grouping, that controls international nuclear trade, will meet again on Friday for discussions on the crucial issue amid indications that there could be no decision during the two-day-long deliberations and another meeting could be called soon after to take the final view. Assembling amid continued reservations of at least three member countries, the NSG considered a draft of the waiver which is to be adopted by the grouping by consensus.