New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on Wednesday vowed to adopt a "constructive approach" towards India's membership into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, PTI reported. In June, New Zealand was among the countries that reportedly blocked India’s entry into the global body on the grounds that New Delhi was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Keys and Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed ways to increase trade relations, cyber security and a new trade pact and the initiation of a process of routine consultation between the countries' foreign offices. Key said, "We have extended consistent support for India to become a member of the reformed United Nations Security Council, including if it means an expansion of the Permanent Membership.”

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External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup had said India would tell New Zealand that it possessed “all the credentials” to become a member of the NSG. “We hope that at the end of the day the 48-member grouping will see the logic of India’s entry," Swarup said, adding that membership would “strengthen the global non-proliferation regime”.

New Zealand declined to comment on the issue of designating Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar a terrorist, the English daily reported. New Zealand – which is the current chair of the United Nations Security Council sanctions committee – has the authority to expedite India’s request and “push” the listing of Azhar, which has been consistently blocked by China on technical grounds. New Delhi is also willing to share information on Masood’s involvement in the Pathankot attack in January, according to the report.

Key is on a three-day visit to India. However, the first leg of his tour to Mumbai was cancelled after his aircraft developed technical issues while it stopped for refuelling in northern Australia. The prime minister will also call on President Pranab Mukherjee and will travel to Kochi on Thursday.