U.S. says ties with India, Pakistan of different natures

The support from Mexico came on Wednesday during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's five-hour working visit to Mexico City during which Mexican President Enrique Nieto extended his country's support, saying Mexico supports "positively and constructively India's membership of the NSG".

China is leading opposition to a push by the United States and other major powers for India to join the main club of countries controlling access to sensitive nuclear technology, diplomats said on Thursday as the group discussed India's membership bid. He added: “I thank President Pena Nieto for Mexicos positive and constructive support for Indias membership of the NSG.”.

The statement further said that India, already, looks set to become a member of the MTCR regime and is now looking for support to become a member at the Wassenaar Arrangement and Australia Group.

India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group to be deliberated in Seoul. India has been reaching out to NSG member countries seeking support to its membership.

China demanded nations wanting to join the NSG should first sign up to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Another key factor standing in the way of India's nomination is that it is not a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which seeks to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

India and Pakistan have both applied for membership, but both have strikes against them. Beijing is keen to see that Islamabad gets on board, despite the latter's poor non proliferation record.

Among the countries being sceptical to India's entry were New Zealand, Ireland, Turkey, South Africa and Austria.

During his rushed visit, Modi met the Mexican President and the Indian diaspora in Mexico. Hence, Pakistan's constant claim that India's entry into the NSG would propel a huge nuclear arms race in South Asia is just fear-mongering. Foreign policy experts are of the opinion that Mexico's backing for India's NSG application marks a historic policy shift for the Central American country that has held a firm position on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation for decades.

Russian Federation is among the foremost countries which backed India's bid for the membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

"Strategic consideration is behind the frequent meetings between Obama and Modi as the latter is paying his fourth trip to the US since he took office in 2014", the commentary said, a day after the two leaders met at the White House.

Billed as the most comprehensive dialogue between the world's two largest economies, it will be attended by top officials from both sides, including US Secretary of State John Kerry.