In a paper circulated among members of the exclusive “Nuclear Suppliers Group”, the United States, which had committed to supporting India’s quest for membership to international non-proliferation regimes (namely the NSG, Australia Group, Wassenaar Arrangement and Missile Technology Control Regime or MTCR) has articulated a set of proposals to all members for India’s accession. It appears that the US supports making an exception to accommodate India, rather than a wholesale change to the rules.
If this finds broader acceptance within the NSG, India’s entry could become easier, perhaps as early as the current plenary meeting which is ongoing now. Note the NSG was founded partly in response to India’ first nuclear test in 1974. India did not sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty when it was first proposed and is not proposing to sign in now. This causes hesitation on the part of some NCG members.
What it means
Politically there are many implications to NSG membership for India and its impact on other potential applicants in the future and are discussed here. For business today, politics matters less but one major impact is that India would truly be eligible for two-way civil nuclear trade; NPCIL is eager to sell its 200 MW heavy water reactors to countries and locations that don’t need the full size 1000 MW reactors offered by GE/Westinghouse and others.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
