Global Security Newswire

The Nuclear Suppliers Group last week endorsed a modification to its guidance for transfers of atomic substances for nonmilitary use, the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration announced (see GSN, April 20).

The 46-nation organization of atomic exporters in 2008 granted a special exception enabling members to engage in civilian atomic trade with India, even though the nuclear-armed South Asian state has not signed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. The group drew protests from New Delhi last year by formally calling on members to refrain from selling weapon-sensitive uranium enrichment and plutonium reprocessing systems to countries that have not signed the pact.

An NNSA press release does not specify the nature of the latest revision.

Officials from Nuclear Suppliers Group nations met on Thursday and Friday in Seattle. Other activities at the plenary session included examining ties to India as well as every element of operations under the group's 2008 measure on trade with the nation (U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration release, June 22).