Indian prime minister Narendra Modi met Chinese president Xi Jinping on today ahead of the Nuclear Suppliers Group plenary meeting will be discussing India’s entry into the 48-nation elite group tonight in Seoul.

The issue of China’s opposition to India’s bid at NSG is expected to be raised in talks between the two country heads.

Uzbekistan: PM @narendramodi and President Xi Jinping meet. pic.twitter.com/cxj9JfD0z5

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 23, 2016

According to sources, India and Pakistan both have applied for a seat in NSG and both applications will be discussed. Earlier on Thursday, Pakistan thanked China’s president Xi Jinping for his firm support to Pakistan in its bid at the NSG, while India’s application facilitated by the United States. US had asked the members to support India’s bid into the NSG and on Wednesday reiterated its support to India.

Also Read: 'Constructive role' in India's NSG bid: China - China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson

In Seoul, India’s foreign secretary S Jaishankar is discussing the issues in India’s admission into the NSG with the representatives of the country.

Read Also: Hurdles In India’s NSG Membership Diminishing, China Still In Oppose

Meanwhile, prime minister Narendra Modi arrived at Tashkent, Uzbekistan for Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit on Thursday and leaders of Pakistan and China have arrived for the summit, as well.

PM Shavkat Mirziyoyev welcomes PM @narendramodi to Uzbekistan. pic.twitter.com/wkUKz9QdNP

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 23, 2016

According to reports, Pakistan thanked China for supporting its bidding in NSG only after Pakistan president Mamnoon Hussain met Chinese president Xi Jinping.

Read Also: US Keen On India’s Admission Into NSG, Urges Members To Support India’s Bid

“Only granting India the membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group will shift the balance of power,” said Hussain after the meeting.

China has been opposing India’s admission into NSG on the grounds that India has not signed the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty and hence it would, according to China, vanish the nuclear balance in South Asia. Pakistan, too is opposing India’s admission.

However, earlier on Thursday, China said that opposition to India’s NSG bid would not be affecting bilateral ties between the two countries.

Earlier, reports from the United Sates claimed that Pakistan has been selling nuclear weapon to North Korea under China’s information.

Also Read: China On India’s Bid: Door Is Never Closed For Non-NPT Countries

By Prajakt K.