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| FOREIGN SECRETARY OF INDIA S. JAISHANKAR MTCR MEMBERSHIP PAPERS FROM ENVOYS OF NETHERLANDS, FRANCE AND LUXEMBOURG. |
The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is an informal,
voluntary grouping of countries which aims to check the proliferation of
missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of carrying weapons of
mass destruction (WMD).
It is not a treaty and does not impose any legally binding
obligations on its adherents and members.A grouping of 35 countries, MTCR keeps
a check on transfer of missiles and UAVs capable of carrying a payload of at
least 500kg over a range of at least 300km. It also focuses on any equipment,
software or technology that can enable a nation to produce such systems.The
group’s ability to achieve its objectives depends on it coordinating individual
national export licensing policies towards a single, common export policy that
regulates the sale of any such systems or sub-systems.MTCR maintains a common
list of items, including dual-use technology and components, which can be used
to deliver WMDs or enable the manufacture of systems which can be deployed to
deliver WMDs.
SO THIS MEANS:
1. Once
India puts in place an appropriate export policy for items covered by the MTCR,
an argument can be made that the sale of any such systems to India will not
lead to any further proliferation.
2. Gaining
MTCR membership will allow India to sell the BrahMos missiles, which it
manufactures jointly with Russia, to countries like Vietnam. The operational
range of the missile is just under the 300km threshold that the regime
primarily concerns itself with.
3. During
the Cold War, India was denied cryogenic engine technology. Now, the Indian
Space Research Organisation will have access to restricted high-end
technologies for developing its cryogenic engines in order to enhance space
exploration.
4. India can
now procure technologies to develop its indigenous Ballistic Missile System or
missile shield to protect itself from incoming ballistic missiles.
5. India can
also source surveillance drones from countries like the US.
6. In a
boost to Make in India, Indian technology developed under the initiative will
enjoy free movement out of the country, which in turn will contribute to the
success of the programme.
7. Now that
India is part of MTCR, it can oppose the entry of China and Pakistan should
they apply for membership.
