Nuclear Suppliers Group opens the door for civilian nuclear cooperation with India

Today the 45 countries that participate in the nuclear export control regime known as the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) decided to make an exception to the NSG guidelines and open the door for civilian nuclear cooperation with India. 

The aim is to enable India to provide its growing population with a reliable energy supply.  

“Today’s decision will help India to meet its energy needs and reduce poverty, and will also draw India into international efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.  

The decision came after India made an extensive political statement in which it pledged to uphold a number of non-proliferation commitments. Among other things, India undertakes to uphold a moratorium on nuclear test explosions and to open all of its civilian nuclear facilities to inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 

Norway played an active role in facilitating the NSG’s decision, contingent on a clear political statement by India, which will draw India more closely into international efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.