India becomes a full member of Missile Technology Control Regime

India on Monday joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) as a fulltime member. The MTCR point of contact in Paris has conveyed the decision regarding India’s accession to the regime through the Embassy of France in New Delhi as well as the Embassies of the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

The MTCR membership will enable India to buy high-end missile technology and also enhance its joint ventures with Russia. The aim of the MTCR is to restrict the proliferation of missiles, complete rocket systems, unmanned air vehicles and related technology for those systems capable of carrying a 500 kilogramme payload for at least 300 kilometres, as well as systems intended for the delivery of weapons of mass destruction.

Notably, China, which opposed India’s entry into the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group at the just-concluded Seoul plenary, is not a member MTCR. India joins the MTCR as its 35th member country.