India may enter missile control pact this week
Announcement during PM’s Washington visit?
India is likely to enter the missile technology control regime ( MTCR) this week, a move that will boost the country’s efforts to purchase Predator drones from the US and export its hi- tech missiles to friendly nations.
An announcement in this regard is anticipated as early as this week, possibly during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States at the invitation of President Barack Obama, sources tracking the development said.
The major 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. India had applied for the membership of the missile technology control regime in June last year. However, it was facing strong opposition from a few member countries of the MTCR, where decisions are based on consensus. The Obama administration has strongly backed India’s MTCR membership and entry into three other export control regimes — Australia Group, Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement.
Established in April 1987, the voluntary MTCR aims to limit the spread of ballistic missiles and other unmanned delivery systems that could be used for chemical, biological, and nuclear attacks.
The MTCR regime urges its 34 members, which include most of the world’s key missile manufacturers, to restrict their exports of missiles and related technologies capable of carrying a 500- kg payload at least 300 km or delivering any type of weapon of mass destruction.
The major breakthrough comes days after India announced that it is subscribing to ‘ The Hague Code of Conduct’ against Ballistic Missile Proliferation
An announcement in this regard is anticipated as early as this week