As China Stalls India’s NSG Bid, Modi Turns to Putin for Backing

While Turkey and China remain opposed to India’s membership to the NSG, India is turning to Russia for support.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands at the Kremlin in Moscow, Belarus, Wednesday, 23 December 2015. (Photo: AP)

With China reluctant to budge from its position over India’s NSG membership – it’s official position appearing to harden as it tries to delay the process until next year – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 12 June reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a telephone call, according to a Times of India report.

According to a Kremlin statement, the phone call on Saturday was at Modi’s behest.

“The leaders confirmed their intention to continue comprehensive deepening of bilateral relations, which have the character of a very privileged strategic partnership,” it said.

Russia has been broadly supportive of India’s global ambitions. Modi and Putin are also scheduled to meet soon.

Turkey and China remain opposed to India’s bid for NSG membership at the moment. However, Modi is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, possibly on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tashkent.

Modi is expected to bring up the issue at the Summit.