Will work constructively for India's NSG bid: New Zealand

NEW DELHI: While New Zealand did not commit unconditional support to India's bid to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), its Prime Minister John Key on Wednesday promised his counterpart Narendra Modi that New Zealand would work "constructively" with other members of the group to reach a decision soon on India's membership.
After a meeting between Modi and Key, official sources said they felt encouraged by the discussions on the issue.
"New Zealand showed understanding of India's clean energy needs and the importance of predictability in global rules on nuclear commerce in enabling the expansion of nuclear energy in India," said an official source.
In a media statement, Modi said he was grateful to Key for New Zealand's constructive approach to the consideration of India's membership of NSG.
New Zealand, which has a history of opposing nuclear proliferation, is among a handful of countries in NSG, led by China of course, who believe the group must formulate guidelines for the entry of non-NPT signatories before considering individual cases for membership.
The joint statement issued after the meeting said New Zealand was committed to working with NSG members to reach a decision soon. The two countries also signed agreements on double taxation avoidance, food security and sports.
On the issue of terrorism, the two PMs agreed to enhance cooperation, bilaterally as well as in the framework of UN and especially in the 1267 committee, to combat the full spectrum of threats. India is trying to get the 1267 committee to sanction JeM chief Masood Azhar, but China has blocked the move. New Zealand currently chairs the committee. "They called for eliminating terrorist safe havens and infrastructure, disrupting terrorist networks and financing, and stopping cross-border terrorism. Both sides called for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism that would contribute to further strengthening of the international counter-terrorism legal framework," the joint statement said.
The countries also decided to amend the bilateral tax treaty and committed to working towards a comprehensive free trade agreement. They also vowed to press for successful negotiations of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the joint statement said.