India seeks South Korean support for NSG bid

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made the request during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak in Seoul.

"I requested him (Lee) for Korea's support to India's quest to join international regimes such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime, the Australia Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement," Singh told reporters after talks with Lee.

After sealing a civil nuclear agreement with the United States in 2008 and getting a waiver from the NSG for participating in global nuclear commerce, India has been campaigning for a membership of the NSG and other international regimes.

"The prime minister's request was noted," Sanjay Singh, Secretary (East), in the ministry of external affairs told reporters when asked bout Lee's response to India's request.

"There is a process that is ongoing and India is making considerable progress," he said.

The two leaders also recognised the need for comprehensive UN reforms, including the expansion of the security council to make it more representative and effective.

During talks with Lee, the prime minister emphasized India's aspirations for a greater role in the reformed UN security council.

India responded to South Korea's desire to increase cooperation with India in military and defense industry including, naval ships, aircraft and ship building.

"We agreed to expand our political and security cooperation. With this objective in mind, I informed President Lee of India's decision to position a defence attache at our embassy in Seoul before the end of the year," Singh said.

Asked whether India's growing ties would upset China, Sanjay Singh said New Delhi's relations with every country stand on their own merit and were not predicated with relations with other nations.

"We have excellent relations with both -- our neighbour China and South Korea," he said.

Prime Minister Singh and President Lee also reiterated their commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.

The Korean side recalled the "timely and useful" visit of Defence Minister A K Antony in September 2010 which provided an excellent opportunity for both sides to exchange views on the entire range of defense and security issues.