The External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj on Sunday addressed the media on the occasion of the NDA government completing two years.
In her address, Swaraj touched upon the much talked about issue of India’s membership in the coveted Nuclear Suppliers Group.
China is not protesting membership of India in NSG, it is only talking of criteria procedure.Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs
On being asked about Pakistan’s entry in the group, Swaraj said that India will not be protesting the entry of any nation into the group, and would only want its own application to be considered on the basis of merit.
We are hopeful we’ll be able to convince China as well. I’m myself in contact with 23 nations, one or two raised concerns but I think a consensus is there.
Swaraj also went on to say that the government is trying to ensure that India becomes a part of the group by the end of this year. “It is not correct to say that in the bid to secure membership in NSG, we have disregarded SAARC,” the External Affairs Minister added.
Among other things, Swaraj addressed the issue of the Pathankot attack and denied that the National Investigation Agency had not been given permission to go to Pakistan and probe the matter.
She also commented on the Prime Minister’s proactiveness in matters of foreign policy and diplomatic relations, and said the PM had covered an extensive number of countries to secure better economic ties.
(With inputs from ANI.)
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