Indian Prime Minister Modi arrives at the G20 Summit. (Photo : Getty Images)
India is trying hard to convince China to be part of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The group is composed of countries such as the U.S., Russia, and France.
Prime Minister Modi is seeking approval to be part of the NSG because the country would like to convert to use of nuclear power and withdraw from fossil fuel use.
Amandeep Singh Gill, India's chief negotiator, hosted a meeting with a delegation from China led by The Director General Wang Qun of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Discussions between Gill and Wang covered issues on mutual interest in the areas of disarmament and non-proliferation, India's intention to join the NSG.
"The discussions were candid, pragmatic and substantive," the foreign ministry said, adding that further talks would be held.
The Chinese foreign ministry said that they will study the case of India. This is the first time that the NSG is going to be joined by a country that is not part of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
He explained, "China is willing to hold talks on the issue, but does not yet have a position on the joining of the group by any specific country that has not signed the treaty."
India is showing interest in revitalizing India-China relations. This was also clear during the G20 Summit in Hangzhou.
According to foreign relations expert Ashok Sajjanhar, "In his bilateral conversation with Xi, Modi also underlined that both India and China need to be sensitive to each other's strategic interests, concerns, and aspirations to realize the full potential of their bilateral partnership."
He added, "The G20 Summit's significance has continued to grow because of the opportunity it provides to world leaders to meet bilaterally with their major partners to discuss and resolve urgent issues of concern and interest."
