The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) has officially declared India’s membership, stating that as a new member India will be entitled to “full participation” in organizational activities. India’s entry into MTCR is its first into multilateral export control regime. India’s induction into the group is a symbol of its technological advancement in missile technology and emergence of powerful nation on the horizon of the new shaping world order.
The MTCR was formed in 1987 by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the United States. With India onboard it now has a total of 35 members. It is an informal political understanding among states that seek to limit the proliferation of missiles and missile technology. MTCR aims at maintaining vigilance over the transfer of missile equipment, material, and related technologies usable for systems capable of delivering Weapons of Mass Destruction. The MTCR is not a treaty and does not impose any legally binding obligations on partners. The only activity prohibited absolutely by the guidelines, to which all 35 partner countries voluntarily subscribe, is the export of production facilities for Category I MTCR Annex items.
India’s entry into the regime as its 35th member would be mutually beneficial in the furtherance of international non-proliferation objectives. It will open the doors for India to engage in high-end missile technology transfer and also now India, as a member of MTCR, can play an active role in curbing the global missile non-proliferation threat. It can participate in decision-making and setting international standards for responsible missile non-proliferation behavior. India can benefit from discussions and exchange of information on licensing and cooperate to impede specific shipments of concern with regards to missile proliferation.
India’s MTCR membership is a recognition of India’s impeccable record and unwavering commitment to non-proliferation, and New Delhi’s willingness to contribute to the same cause which led the international community, including the NSG and the IAEA, to formally accept India into its fold in 2008. The next step for India’s integration with the global nonproliferation architecture is its inclusion in the rest three export controls Bodies namely “NSG”, “Australia Group” and “The Wassenaar arrangement”.
Geostrategic and commercial benefits of India’s entry into MTCR:
- India’s membership into MTCR will greatly enhance India’s potential to export missiles.
- India’s Admission to the MTCR will open the way for India to buy and sell high-end missile technology.
- Membership of MTCR group will shape the future of India’s engagement with not just the MTCR but also the broader global non-proliferation community.
- After India’s induction into MTCR, India and the US are expected to fast-track their discussion on sale of predator series of unmanned aircraft for the Indian military. Membership into MTCR is a huge boost for India’s ability to procure this capability which will help India to boost its fight against all counter terror & insurgency operations.
- Indo-Russian “Brahmos” cruise missile range is currently limited to 300 km due to MTCR. Now long range version can be developed.
- India is set to discuss the possible sale of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Vietnam. Vietnam has been keen on acquiring the conventional precision-strike missiles.
- It will also enhance the level of understanding between MTCR member nations and India, allowing the latter to import technologies for peaceful purposes.
- ISRO will now have access to high-end technologies which was restricted till now and it be helpful for developing its cryogenic engines in order to enhance space exploration.
- Sale of BrahMos: India will be able to sell the Indo-Russian supersonic cruise missile BrahMos to Vietnam and other countries in a development that would make India a significant arms exporter.
- Boost to Make in India: Indian technology that will be developed or made under the Modi government’s flagship programme of Make in India will see free movement out of the country, which in turn will contribute to the success of the programme.
- India’s induction into MTCR is one step closer to India’s membership to the 48-member NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group). It also gives India a chance to engage with other global non-proliferation players.
Siddharth Singh is student of International Relations in Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
His Email ID is sidd4india@gmail.com Twitter: @Sid4india