Nuclear Suppliers Group

China pressed

China blocked India's entry

failed to book a seat in NSG

JAIPUR: Instead of focusing on sustainable development goals (SDGs), the two-day summit of women parliamentarians from BRICS nations, which began in the city on Saturday, witnessed a barely concealed war of words between India and China over membership in the(NSG), and digressed into subjects such as combating global terrorism.The Indian delegates reiterated the country's demand for membership in the elite NSG asfor a broader role in international forums. The strained relationship between the two nations, afterinto NSG recently, was on display at the meeting held at Vidhan Sabha.During her address on 'Perspectives on implementation of SDGs,' Wen Ma, the head of Chinese delegation and chairperson of the International Judicial Affairs Committee, argued for China's bigger role in international affairs, proportionate to the country's clout in the world.Her remarks didn't go down well with the Indian side which said that the nation had enough clout and deserved NSG membership.The two nations have been at loggerheads since India. The summit meant to discuss the role of women parliamentarians in achieving SDGs also deviated into discussions on terrorism. A representative from Brazil raised the issue and said that BRICS should work towards countering terrorism. I think it's a brilliant idea and we should all work together,“ said K Kavitha, MP from Telangana.“We represent 43% of the global population.What happens in these five nations will be high on global agenda. So working to combat terrorism is very important,“ she added.Delegates also discussed issues such as gender equality , climate change, women empowerment and participation in politics along with topics of common concern for all five nations.According to many Indian delegates, BRICS had lot to offer. “A total of 40% of the business in China is run by women entrepreneurs. In Brazilian parliament, women account for 45% of members while in India it is only about 11%.There are a lot of positive things to be picked up,“ the MP said.At the end of the summit, delegates will pass a resolution including the main points discussed over two days. This is will be part of the agenda at the BRICS summit scheduled in October.