China queers pitch on N-fuel

Beijing is lobbying with the NSG to block unconditional waiver

NEW DELHI: China has emerged as a source of concern as India begins the next stage of negotiations for implementation of the nuclear deal. According to a senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the government is disturbed by reports of a quiet Chinese effort to block India’s bid for an unconditional waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) for participation in international nuclear trade.

The NSG is a cartel of 45 countries that controls the export and transfer of nuclear materials. A waiver will permit India to buy reactors and fuel, which it cannot do at present. It is also one of the key elements of the Indo-US joint statement of July 18, without which the US Congress will not pass the 123 agreement for the operation of the N-deal.

The official said they have received reports that China has been quietly lobbying against India with countries known for their hardline position on non-proliferation issues, like the Scandinavian nations and New Zealand. The Chinese have argued that exceptions should not be made for one country and any change in the international non-proliferation regime should be equitable. They have also hinted that allowing India access to nuclear materials will change the power balance in South Asia, the official disclosed.

These arguments are unlikely to block India’s entry into the nuclear trading club but they may affect the quality of the waiver from the NSG when it revises its rulebook for India. The government has been lobbying for an unconditional waiver. In view of the sentiments being expressed within the NSG, it may have to settle for less. However, it is hopeful that the conditions set by the NSG will not differ significantly from the terms of the July 18 statement, which has been accepted by both the Left and the BJP.

The strings likely to be attached to the NSG waiver include a demand that India participate in the early conclusion of a Fissile Material Control Treaty and impose a moratorium on nuclear tests. These are also mentioned in the July 18 statement.

What’s working in India’s favour is that it has the backing of bigger nations like the US, Russia and France. In addition, India has succeeded in getting two other important nations, South Africa and Brazil, on its side.

But the biggest breakthrough has been with Australia, which initially strongly opposed India’s nuclear test and refused to supply uranium. At last week’s Asian Regional Forum meet, Australia said it would work with New Delhi to change NSG guidelines.