India joins Missile Technology Control Regime(MTCR)

• India has become the 35th member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
• This breakthrough comes days after India announced that it is subscribing to ‘The Hague Code of Conduct’ against ballistic missile proliferation, which is considered to be complementary to the missile technology control regime (MTCR).
• India, had applied for its membership last year. A deadline for the members of the group to object to India’s admission had expired recently. Under this so-called ‘silent procedure’, India’s admission follows automatically.

About MTCR:

• The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is an informal political understanding among states that seek to limit the proliferation of missiles and missile technology.
• The regime was formed in 1987 by the G-7 industrialized countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the United States).
• Members countries other than India: Argentina (1993); Australia (1990); Austria (1991); Belgium (1990); Brazil (1995); Bulgaria (2004); Canada (1987); Czech Republic (1998); Denmark (1990); Finland (1991); France (1987); Germany (1987); Greece 1992); Hungary (1993); Iceland (1993); Ireland (1992); Italy (1987); Japan (1987); Luxemburg (1990); Netherlands (1990); New Zealand (1991); Norway (1990); Poland (1998); Portugal (1992); Republic of Korea (2001); Russian Federation (1995); South Africa (1995); Spain (1990); Sweden (1991); Switzerland (1992); Turkey (1997); Ukraine (1998); United Kingdom (1987); United States of America (1987).
• The MTCR is not a treaty and does not impose any legally binding obligations on members. Rather, it is an informal political understanding among states that seek to limit the proliferation of missiles and missile technology.
• Main objective: The MTCR seeks to limit the risks of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by controlling exports of goods and technologies that could make a contribution to delivery systems (other than manned aircraft) for such weapons. In this context, the Regime places particular focus on rockets and unmanned aerial vehicles capable of delivering a payload of at least 500 kg to a range of at least 300 km and on equipment, software, and technology for such systems.

Analysis:

• India’s entry into the MTCR is a step closer to its Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership.
• The entry into this group will shape the future of India’s engagement with not just the MTCR but also the broader global non-proliferation community.
• Admission to the MTCR would open the way for India to buy high-end missile technology.
• This membership will ease the way for India to export its supersonic BrahMos cruise missile, co-developed with Russia.
• After MTCR's announcement, India and the US are expected to fast-track their discussion on sale of predator series of unmanned aircraft for the Indian military. The Predator drone, which recently eliminated the Taliban leader in Afghanistan, is the preferred tool of the CIA. Membership into MTCR is a huge boost for India's ability to procure this capability.
• India’s accession will be seen as strengthening its own export controls, therefore lessening those risks and making it easier for other MTCR members to justify transferring sensitive technology to India.

By: Vishal