What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming the member of the 'Nuclear Suppliers Group'?
1. It will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies.
2. It automatically becomes a member of "The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)".
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A
1 only
B
2 only
C
Both 1 and 2
D
Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation
1. Statement 1 is correct. The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a group of nuclear supplier countries that seeks to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons through the implementation of guidelines for nuclear exports and nuclear-related exports. Becoming a member facilitates trade in nuclear materials and technologies among members. Therefore, a member country would generally have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies available from other member states, subject to the Group's guidelines.
2. Statement 2 is incorrect. Becoming a member of the NSG does not automatically make a country a member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). In fact, one of the contentious issues regarding India's potential NSG membership is that India is not a signatory to the NPT. The two memberships are distinct.