According to a US-based arms control organizations, a new draft proposal for accepting new members into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) paves the way for India’s entry  a member of the elite club, but leaves out Pakistan.

The Arms Control Association (ACA), Washington, also warns that relaxing membership rules will undermine non-proliferation.

Arms Control Association (ACA) executive director, Daryl Kimball explains the document will require Pakistan to meet the same criteria for membership as India, adding Islamabad will have to win a separate NSG exemption from the full-scope safeguards requirement to engage in civil nuclear trade with the NSG states.

Present NSG membership rules require a state to sign the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) before joining the exclusive club.

India remains one of only three countries, with Israel and Pakistan, to have never signed the NPT.