New Delhi: India is all set to become a member of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) tomorrow, as it cleared final hurdles in getting membership of the 34-member bloc.
Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar is expected to sign the instrument of accession into MTCR, a key anti-proliferation grouping on Monday, The Indian Express reported. The ceremony is to be attended by the MTCR chair troika — envoys from France, Netherlands and Luxembourg.
This comes as a win for India’s diplomatic efforts after it failed to secure a birth at Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), another export control regime India was eyeing for. India’s bid to join NSG last week ended in failure after China and some other countries raised “procedural issues” which effectively stopped India’s attempt to obtain membership at the plenary meeting on June 23-34 in Seoul.
Membership of MTCR is decided by consensus just like in NSG.
India is also keen to become a member of two other export control regime- Australia Group and Wassenaar Arrangement. Membership to one group reinforces application to other groups.
“Membership of one export control regime can be reinforcing on others, since India’s credentials are vetted in one and the remaining three can follow the example,” an Indian official was quoted by The Indian Express.
Membership of the MTCR will help India procure high-end missile technology and surveillance systems by leading manufacturers which are allowed to be accessed by only MTCR member countries.
India has developed a range of missile systems including Brahmos, Agni and Prithvi missile systems. Brahmos is a joint venture with Russia.
India had applied for the MTCR membership last year and its application was under consideration as part of a "silent procedure" which ended earlier this month without any objection from any country.
There were certain formalities to be completed before India is inducted into the bloc, added the sources.
Italy initially raised objections in the 34-member grouping since it was upset with India over the Italian marines dispute. With both the marines being allowed to return to their country, Rome has dropped its objections.
