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Q7 (IAS/2018) International Relations & Global Affairs › International Organisations & Groupings › Nuclear and security regimes Official Key

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 ?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: A
Explanation

The correct answer is option A (1 only).

**Statement 1 is correct:** When India negotiated its civilian nuclear agreement with the US, it gained access to American nuclear fuel and technology after approval from the Nuclear Suppliers Group[1]. This demonstrates that NSG membership/approval provides access to advanced nuclear technologies. The NSG is specifically designed to regulate nuclear exports among supplier nations, and member countries can participate in nuclear trade, gaining access to the latest nuclear technologies.

**Statement 2 is incorrect:** NSG membership does not automatically confer NPT membership. These are two separate international frameworks. India has opposed international non-proliferation treaties like the NPT and refused to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)[2], yet India's membership bid for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) was pending[3], showing that a country can seek NSG membership without being an NPT signatory. The NSG and NPT operate independently - NSG is an export control regime among suppliers, while NPT is a treaty with different membership criteria and obligations.

Sources
  1. [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Foreign Relations > p. 761
  2. [2] Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Indi External Relations > Fast Forward India's Nuclear Programme > p. 69
  3. [3] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Foreign Relations > p. 795
How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
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PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full view
Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming the member of the 'Nuclear Suppliers Group' ? 1. It will have access to th…
At a glance
Origin: Books + Current Affairs Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 5/10 · 5/10

This question blends a static 'Polity/IR' fact (India's NPT stance) with the 'functional logic' of a Current Affair (the 2016-2018 NSG membership push). You didn't need to read the NSG charter; you just needed to know *why* India was desperate to join (Tech Access) and *why* it was difficult (NPT linkage).

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Does membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) grant a country access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 4/5
"Since 2011, the NSG guidelines have also included an explicit reference to the conclusion of an IAEA additional protocol as a condition for supplying enrichment and reprocessing equipment, material and technology."
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states NSG guidelines set conditions for supplying enrichment and reprocessing equipment, material and technology.
  • Shows that supply of advanced nuclear technology is governed by NSG rules (conditional), not an automatic entitlement of membership.
Web source
Presence: 3/5
"It caused the major suppliers to focus closer scrutiny on the management of nuclear exports. A new suppliers group was then established ... and later ... as the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)."
Why this source?
  • Explains the NSG was created because major suppliers increased scrutiny over nuclear exports after proliferation concerns.
  • Indicates the NSG's core role is export control — regulating access to nuclear technologies rather than simply providing access.
Web source
Presence: 3/5
"The arrangement confirms the present NSG membership of 28 countries ... and establishes the procedure for joining the regime. This procedure calls for the NSG members to reach a consensus about the invitation of a"
Why this source?
  • Describes a formal procedure for joining the NSG and that membership is confirmed by existing members' consensus.
  • Implies membership is selective and that NSG membership governs who participates in decisions about supply — again pointing to regulated access, not an automatic right to latest technologies.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Foreign Relations > p. 761
Strength: 5/5
“The Manmohan Singh government made efforts for stronger ties with the United States. The prime minister visited the US in July 2005 to initiate negotiations over the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement. When, in 2006, President George W. Bush visited India, the declaration over the nuclear agreement was made. This gave India access to American nuclear fuel and technology, though in return India would have to allow its civil nuclear reactors to be inspected by the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency). It was only in October 2008 that India and the US finally signed the agreement after further negotiations and approval from the IAEA, the Nuclear Suppliers Group, and the US Congress.”
Why relevant

States that the Indo‑US civilian nuclear agreement 'gave India access to American nuclear fuel and technology' only after approvals from IAEA, the Nuclear Suppliers Group, and the US Congress—showing NSG approval can be a precondition for cross‑border civil nuclear technology transfer.

How to extend

A student could check other cases where NSG decisions accompanied technology transfers to see if NSG membership/approval is commonly required for access to foreign nuclear tech.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Foreign Relations > p. 795
Strength: 4/5
“India's membership bid for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) was pending as China opposed India's bid. India took a leading role in the establishment of the International Solar Alliance along with France to tackle the challenge that faces the planet, global warming and climate change. Opponents of Modi may snigger at the bear hugs and the selfies with world leaders, but beneath all that lay an astute approach to foreign relations. The Modi government "redefined strategic autonomy as an objective that is attainable through strengthened partnerships rather than the avoidance of partnerships." The global scenario today is complex, and a country's approach has to be flexible.”
Why relevant

Notes India's NSG membership bid was blocked by China—illustrating that political opposition within the NSG can affect a country's ability to join and therefore potentially its ability to obtain supplier approvals.

How to extend

Combine this with knowledge of which supplier states sit on or influence NSG decisions to infer whether political blockers limit access to technology for specific states.

Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: International Organisations > Human Rights Watch > p. 61
Strength: 4/5
“• 3. Which among the following would give more weightage to India's proposal for permanent membership in the Security Council? • a. Nuclear capability• b. It has been a member of the UN since its inception• c. It is located in Asia• d. India's growing economic power and stable political system• 4. The UN agency concerned with the safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology is: • a. The UN Committee on Disarmament• b. International Atomic Energy Agency• c. UN International Safeguard Committee• d. None of the above• 5. WTO is serving as the successor to which of the following organisations • a.”
Why relevant

Identifies the IAEA as the UN agency 'concerned with the safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology'—implying that international regimes (IAEA, NPT, NSG) form a layered control system over civil nuclear technology.

How to extend

A student could map the roles of IAEA vs NSG to see whether NSG membership alone suffices or whether IAEA safeguards/agreements are also needed for access to advanced tech.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Source: Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, March 2018 > p. 27
Strength: 3/5
“Thus, at present, nuclear energy is produced from eleven units located at six centres (Table 8.12). The new sites of nuclear power plants include Bargi or Chutka (M.P.), Haripur (W. Bengal), Jaitapur (Maharashtra), Kawada (Andhra Pradesh), Kudankulam (Tamil Nadu), Kumharia (Haryana), and Mithi-Verdi (Gujarat). The govt. of India on 17th May, 2017, cleared the building of ten new nuclear power plants to add 7,000 MW to India's power generation capacity. These nuclear power plants will be indigenous with a capacity 700 MW each. The nuclear reactors will make it easier to develop the domestic industry. Development of nuclear energy is imperative for the economic development of the country.”
Why relevant

Mentions India's plan to build indigenous reactors and that nuclear development 'will make it easier to develop the domestic industry'—suggesting domestic capability and indigenous programs are an alternative route to advanced nuclear tech if international supply is restricted.

How to extend

Compare countries with strong domestic nuclear industry to those reliant on imports to judge how much NSG access influences availability of latest technologies.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > iii) nuclear Energy > p. 52
Strength: 3/5
“(iii) nuclear Energy Looking at the increasing demand of energy and the exhaustible nature of fossil fuels, nuclear energy development has become of great signifcance in most of the big and small countries of the world. It is also a source of green energy. Nuclear energy is produced from uranium and thorium. Although, India is largely dependent on other countries for the supply of uranium, it has 27 nuclear power plants generating about 4 per cent of the energy supply of the country.”
Why relevant

States India is 'largely dependent on other countries for the supply of uranium' and that nuclear energy comes from uranium/thorium—highlighting that access to fuel and related technology can depend on external suppliers.

How to extend

Use basic facts about global uranium suppliers and NSG membership of those suppliers to assess whether NSG channels affect practical access to fuel and associated reactor tech.

Statement 2
Does membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) automatically make a country a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Indi External Relations > Fast Forward India's Nuclear Programme > p. 69
Presence: 4/5
“India has opposed the international treaties aimed at non-proliferation since they were selectively applicable to the non-nuclear powers and legitimised the monopoly of the five nuclear weapons powers. Thus, India opposed the indefinite extension of the NPT in 1995 and also refused to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). India conducted a series of nuclear tests in May 1998, demonstrating its capacity to use nuclear energy for military purposes. Pakistan soon followed, thereby increasing the vulnerability of the region to a nuclear exchange. The international community was extremely critical of the nuclear tests in the subcontinent and sanctions were imposed on both India and Pakistan, which were subsequently waived.”
Why this source?
  • States (India) have opposed the NPT and refused to sign/accept its terms, showing non-membership in the NPT despite engaging in nuclear diplomacy.
  • This demonstrates that a country can be outside the NPT framework while pursuing other nuclear-related relationships or recognition.
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Foreign Relations > p. 795
Presence: 4/5
“India's membership bid for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) was pending as China opposed India's bid. India took a leading role in the establishment of the International Solar Alliance along with France to tackle the challenge that faces the planet, global warming and climate change. Opponents of Modi may snigger at the bear hugs and the selfies with world leaders, but beneath all that lay an astute approach to foreign relations. The Modi government "redefined strategic autonomy as an objective that is attainable through strengthened partnerships rather than the avoidance of partnerships." The global scenario today is complex, and a country's approach has to be flexible.”
Why this source?
  • India's bid for NSG membership was active while China opposed it, indicating pursuit of NSG membership is a distinct process from NPT participation.
  • Implies NSG membership/consideration can involve states that are not NPT parties.
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Foreign Relations > p. 761
Presence: 5/5
“The Manmohan Singh government made efforts for stronger ties with the United States. The prime minister visited the US in July 2005 to initiate negotiations over the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement. When, in 2006, President George W. Bush visited India, the declaration over the nuclear agreement was made. This gave India access to American nuclear fuel and technology, though in return India would have to allow its civil nuclear reactors to be inspected by the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency). It was only in October 2008 that India and the US finally signed the agreement after further negotiations and approval from the IAEA, the Nuclear Suppliers Group, and the US Congress.”
Why this source?
  • The 2008 Indo‑US civilian nuclear agreement required approvals from IAEA and the NSG even though India was not an NPT signatory, showing NSG involvement does not equal NPT party status.
  • Shows practical separation between NSG endorsements/clearances and NPT membership.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC loves the 'Big 4' non-proliferation regimes. The testing pattern is consistent: mix a functional benefit (what do members get?) with a membership condition (is NPT mandatory?). Always track India's 'In vs. Out' status.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Manageable Trap. Statement 2 is a standard static fact found in NCERT/Spectrum; Statement 1 is the logical inference of the current news.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Global Export Control Regimes (The 'Big 4').
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Map the 4 Regimes: 1. NSG (Nuclear - India OUT, China IN); 2. MTCR (Missiles - India IN, China OUT); 3. Australia Group (Chem/Bio - India IN); 4. Wassenaar Arrangement (Dual-Use/Arms - India IN). Know the specific mandate for each.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When India pushes for membership in a global body, ask two questions: 'What is the tangible gain?' (Answer: Uranium/Tech access) and 'What is the legal hurdle?' (Answer: NPT signature requirement).
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and export controls
💡 The insight

Evidence shows the NSG's approval was required for India–US civilian nuclear cooperation, indicating the NSG governs cross‑border nuclear technology and material transfers.

High‑yield for UPSC because NSG is central to questions on global nuclear governance, technology transfer and diplomacy. Understanding NSG helps answer questions on export-control regimes, India's NSG bid, and how multilateral consent affects access to nuclear technology. Study by linking to non‑proliferation regimes and case studies (e.g., Indo‑US deal).

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Foreign Relations > p. 761
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Foreign Relations > p. 795
🔗 Anchor: "Does membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) grant a country access to t..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 IAEA safeguards in civilian nuclear agreements
💡 The insight

References indicate IAEA inspections were a precondition for access to foreign nuclear fuel and technology in the India–US deal.

Important because many UPSC questions probe the role of international institutions in enabling or constraining technology transfer. Mastering IAEA safeguards clarifies tradeoffs between civil nuclear cooperation and non‑proliferation obligations; aids answers on conditionality and verification mechanisms.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Foreign Relations > p. 761
🔗 Anchor: "Does membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) grant a country access to t..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Dependence on foreign nuclear fuel and technology
💡 The insight

Sources state India relies on other countries for uranium and that access to foreign fuel/technology was part of bilateral agreements requiring multilateral approval.

Useful for questions on energy security, strategic autonomy and foreign policy. Shows why international approvals (NSG/IAEA) matter for domestic energy programmes and technology acquisition; helps frame arguments on domestic vs. imported technology choices and diplomatic strategies to secure supplies.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > iii) nuclear Energy > p. 52
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Foreign Relations > p. 761
🔗 Anchor: "Does membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) grant a country access to t..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 NSG membership vs NPT party status
💡 The insight

References show NSG processes and NPT signatory status are treated separately (India sought NSG approval while opposing/signing NPT).

High-yield for UPSC: distinguishes multilateral export-control regimes (NSG) from formal treaties (NPT). Useful in questions on nuclear diplomacy, non‑proliferation policy, and India’s nuclear stance. Helps answer comparisons, cause–effect (why India seeks NSG despite NPT non‑membership), and policy critique questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Foreign Relations > p. 795
  • Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Indi External Relations > Fast Forward India's Nuclear Programme > p. 69
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Foreign Relations > p. 761
🔗 Anchor: "Does membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) automatically make a countr..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 India's stance on NPT and nuclear diplomacy
💡 The insight

Evidence documents India opposing/declining NPT while engaging in agreements requiring NSG/IAEA involvement.

Important for polity and international relations topics: explains India's historical reluctance to join selective treaties and how it navigates global nuclear regimes. Enables answers on non‑alignment, strategic autonomy, and bilateral nuclear agreements.

📚 Reading List :
  • Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Indi External Relations > Fast Forward India's Nuclear Programme > p. 69
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Foreign Relations > p. 761
  • Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Indi External Relations > India's nuclear policy > p. 68
🔗 Anchor: "Does membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) automatically make a countr..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Role of NSG in civilian nuclear trade approvals
💡 The insight

References reference NSG approval being required for civilian nuclear agreements (e.g., 2008 Indo‑US deal).

Helps tackle questions on export control regimes, safeguards, and institutional roles (IAEA vs NSG). High utility in explaining how technology/fuel transfers are governed irrespective of NPT membership.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Foreign Relations > p. 761
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Foreign Relations > p. 795
🔗 Anchor: "Does membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) automatically make a countr..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

China's status in the other regimes. While China blocks India in the NSG, China itself is NOT a member of the MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime) or the Wassenaar Arrangement. This diplomatic leverage is a potential future statement.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

The 'Sovereignty' Logic. In International Relations, no membership of one group 'automatically' forces a sovereign nation to sign a separate treaty like the NPT. Treaties require specific ratification. The word 'automatically' in Statement 2 is a 99% indicator of falsehood.

🔗 Mains Connection

Mains GS3 (Energy Security): NSG membership is critical for India's 'Three-Stage Nuclear Programme'. Without imported Uranium and Light Water Reactor tech (facilitated by NSG), the transition to Stage 3 (Thorium-based) is significantly delayed.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2008 · Q128 Relevance score: 0.50

Consider the following statements: 1. The Nuclear Suppliers Group has 24 countries as its members. 2. India is a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

CAPF · 2009 · Q2 Relevance score: 0.25

Consider the following statements about Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) : 1. The NSG guidelines are implemented by each participating government in accordance with its national laws. 2. The NSG guidelines facilitate the development of nuclear trade. 3. South Africa is the only country from Africa in the NSG. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

CAPF · 2010 · Q61 Relevance score: -0.58

Consider the following statements : 1. Nuclear power is the fourth largest source of electricity in India after thermal, hydro and renewable sources. 2. India is a non-signatory of the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty. 3. India is a member of Nuclear Suppliers Group. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct ?

IAS · 2009 · Q82 Relevance score: -1.90

NAMA-11 (Nama-11) group of countries frequently appears in the news in the context of the affairs of which one of the following ?