Modi raises NSG bid with Erdogan; submarine leak with Hollande

TIL Desk/World/Hangzhou-Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed India’s NSG membership with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and also raised the issue of the confidential data leak of the Indian Scorpene Class submarines with French President Francois Holland on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. On the second and final day of the summit in this east Chinese city, Modi met Erdogan and Hollande in separate “pull-aside” meetings.

Prior to that, he met Britain’s new Prime Minister Theresa May and held discussions on “building opportunities” in the aftermath of UK’s decision to exit the European Union. In his meeting with Erdogan, the prime minister discussed the issue of India’s membership of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters.

The discussion with Erdogan on NSG was significant as Turkey was among the few countries – along with China – which had stalled India’s bid to join the elite grouping at its plenary meeting in June in Seoul. China had then raised objection saying India was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Turkey too raised its concern over the presence of supporters of dissident Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who it accusses of masterminding the failed July coup attempt, in India.