In a major boost to its diplomatic push for NSG membership, India Monday managed to win the crucial support of Switzerland ahead of a key meeting of the 48-nation bloc even as the two countries agreed
In a major boost to its diplomatic push for NSG membership, India Monday managed to win the crucial support of Switzerland ahead of a key meeting of the 48-nation bloc even as the two countries agreed to step up cooperation in unearthing black money stashed by Indians in Swiss banks.
Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann announced his country’s support to India’s bid for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group after holding comprehensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a range of bilateral and global issues.
Switzerland is a key member of the NSG and its support to India’s bid for membership of the grouping was seen as crucial against the backdrop of China harping on the need for consensus as India was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
“We have promised India support in its efforts to become a member of NSG,” Mr Schneider-Ammann said at a joint media interaction with Mr Modi. In his remarks, the Prime Minister thanked the Swiss President for Switzerland’s “understanding and support” for India’s membership of the NSG. He also said combating the menace of black money and tax evasion was a “shared priority” for both the countries.
The United States and many other NSG member countries have supported India’s inclusion based on its non-proliferation track record. The NSG works on the principle of unanimity and even one country’s vote against India will scuttle its bid.
The Prime Minister is likely to raise the issue with the leadership of Mexico, another key member of the NSG, during his visit there on June 8.
During the talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr Schneider-Ammann agreed to expand cooperation in tackling the problem of Indians stashing black money in Swiss banks.
