Pressure on China is likely to mount globally over its commitment to sell two

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nuclear reactors to Pakistan for its Chashma facility. The sale of these reactors may need support from the all-powerful Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) that is currently in session.

According to indications, India may campaign at least subtly against this sale amongst the NSG member-countries.

NSG had initially allowed sale of two nuclear reactors to Pakistan in 2004 while admitting China as a member into the group. But, the latest sale committed to Pakistan earlier last week has no endorsement from NSG. Before joining the NSG, China had committed sale of two nuclear reactors with 300 MW capacity each.

And, now, it proposes to sell higher capacity reactors. From the Chinese establishment, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) will make the sale, transfer technology and coordinate fuel supplies forthe project.

“Nuclear reactors sale to Pakistan from China needs to be endorsed by NSG” said a source that did not wish to be identified.

China – Pakistan nuclear pact may also figure, at informal level, amongst top global leaders converging for the G-20 summit this weekend at Toronto. There was no official confirmation from Indian government officials whether the issue would figure at bilateral meetings Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will have with US, European and BRIC leaders during next two days.

But, indications are that India may express its serious concerns on sale of two additional nuclear reactors by China to Pakistan. Prime

Minister Manmohan Singh is scheduled to meet US President Barack Obama on sidelines of G-20 summit where this issue may be taken up.

India may try and enlist the support of Fresh President Nicholas Sarkozy, British Prime Minister David Cameron and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper against China – Pakistan deal.

As on date, Prime Minister Singh has no official engagement with

Chinese President Hu Jintao who has already arrived in Toronto for a state visit ahead of the G-20 summit.

Indications are that Manmohan Singh and Hu Jintao may find an occasion during next two days to discuss the issue. Till now, Chinese officials have apparently signaled Indian leadership “there was no cause for concern from security angle”.

Meanwhile, sources ruled out possibility of external support to Maoistextremists that have been active in the ‘red corridor’ spread acrossten states. But, the sources pointed to a thriving arms bazaar in South East Asia with Maoists scouting for Chinese made arms.

The sources also ruled out deploying armed forces for tackling naxalite menace in the ten states where Maoists have been waging an armed struggle against both centre and state governments’ forces.

However, the sources did not rule out centre providing tactical, reconnaissance and training support to both para-military and state forces for combating the Maoists that have been on rampage recently in several sensitive central states.

In a related development, it is learnt that Prime Minister Singh will not take up the issue of extriditing former Union Carbide chief Anderson with the US President when he meets him during the weekend.