New Zealand assures India of ‘constructive approach’ on NSG

NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday extracted the promise of constructive approach from New Zealand on its bid to nuclear suppliers group (NSG), but fell short on getting a categorical assurance on the issue.

New Zealand backed on India’s reasons for joining the elite club and supported India’s position as well as track record on nuclear non-proliferation.

But an outright support for the NSG membership eschewed the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart John Key, which saw two countries charting a new path to step up bilateral trade, investment and signing four pacts.

The two leaders also discussed cross-border terrorism and designation of the Jaish-eMohammed chief Masood Azhar in the UN sanctions committee.

“I am also thankful to Prime Minister Key for New Zealand’s constructive approach to the consideration of India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group,” Prime Minister Modi said after the meeting as he drew lavishly from cricket terminology to describe the state of play in ties: “defensive play has given way to aggressive batting.”

“Key stated that New Zealand would continue to contribute constructively to the process currently underway in the NSG to consider India’s membership,” the joint statement issued after the meeting said.

New Zealand acknowledged the importance to India of it joining the NSG group. India also acknowledged the importance to New Zealand of a strong non-proliferation and disarmament regime. “Pending the global elimination of nuclear weapons, India will uphold global non-proliferation and work with partners such as New Zealand to advance nuclear disarmament”, the joint statements said.