China is ready to discuss "possibilities" with India in its bid to become a full member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), said a senior Chinese diplomat on Monday. Last month, Indian authorities said they have held talks "substantially" with Beijing on joining the NSG, the community of countries that sell civilian nuclear technology. Speaking to reporters on the eve of his visit to India this week, Chinese President Xi Jinping at the summit of the BRICS group said the new NSG members are coordinated with all existing members. "These rules have not been established in China," said Li Baodong, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. "On the question of joining the NSG, China and India have very good relations, and we are ready to expand cooperation with the Indian side to increase the consensus."

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons recognized the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - the US, Russia, China, Britain and France, both states with nuclear weapons, but not others.

India has not signed the agreement but said that its non-proliferation track record allows the country to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Delhi was rejected in 2008 by the organization, so India is allowed to participate in nuclear trade but denies the right to vote in decision-making. Supporters of India’s proposal, among which is the United States, hopes that a deal can be reached, despite the failure of the group at the annual meeting in Seoul in June.

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