China has reportedly softened its stance on India's Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership bid. Beijing has said it is willing to hold talks with India on New Delhi's bid to gain entry into the elite 48-member group. 

China's Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Li Baodong said on Monday that China is keen to discuss the issue with India to build consensus.

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"On the issue, China and India have maintained good communication, and we are ready to continue consultations with India to build consensus, and we also hope India can go to other members of the NSG as well," Li said. 

He, however, gave no indication about whether China would consider supporting India's NSG bid in the near future.

"These rules are not to be decided by China alone. In this aspect, we are also ready for discussions with India to explore possibilities, but things need to be in keeping up with procedures, norms, and regulations of the NSG," he said. "On this issue, China position is consistent. That is why China has often said international law must be observed."  

Earlier this year, China had opposed New Delhi's entry in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, saying that India should sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) first.  

Li noted that President Xi Jinping would soon visit India to attend the BRICS Summit. The summit would be held in the popular Indian tourist destination Goa from October 15 to 16. Xi is likely to hold a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the summit.

Tagschina, India, NSG, Nuclear Supplier Group, Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi