India gets Swiss backing on NSG entry, PM heads to US
PM Narendra Modi shakes hands with Switzerland President Johann Schneider-Ammann in Geneva on Monday. PTI
Simran Sodhi
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 6
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today secured the support of Switzerland for India’s entry into the elite 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
For India, this is a significant diplomatic achievement as it is working hard to get into the elite grouping. India formally applied for NSG membership on May 12 and later this month, when the plenary meeting of the NSG takes place in Seoul, India’s membership candidature is likely to be discussed.
After securing Switzerland’s support, Modi will now seek the support of the US and Mexico, which he will visit over the course of the next few days. The membership works by consensus and China has already made noises that India, a non-signatory to the Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT), cannot be admitted into the NSG.
In another sign that things with the US may also not be that smooth, The New York Times in an editorial on Sunday made a case that India does not merit membership into the NSG.
In Geneva today, Swiss President Johan Schneider-Ammann said: “We have promised India support in its efforts to become a member of the NSG.” He made the statement after holding talks with Modi.
In his statement to the media, Modi thanked “the President for Switzerland’s understanding and support for India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group”. Besides securing Swiss support for India’s candidature, the other big issue that was discussed between the two leaders was that of black money.
The PM also reached out to the business community in Switzerland and invited them to invest in India.
Later in the day, Modi left for Washington DC. The US tour will be watched most closely, with the PM scheduled to address a joint session of the US Congress on June 8.
Modi is also expected to ask US President Barack Obama for his country’s support for India’s entry into the NSG.

Better cooperation on black money

• Switzerland has assured India of stepping up cooperation in unearthing black money stashed by Indians in its banks
• PM Narendra Modi raised the issue of black money and tax evasion by Indians with Swiss President Johann Schneider-Amman
• Switzerland will send a state secretary for international financial matters to India on June 14 to explore enhancing cooperation on the issue