India is widely expected to be the 35th member of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) this week, a move that will boost the country’s efforts to export and import missile technology subject to non-proliferation rules from friendly nations. If made partner in the regime, a precursor to being admitted into the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG), India will also be able to further its quest for clean nuclear energy. The Obama administration has strongly backed India’s membership bid – India had applied for it last year – and three other export control regime, viz., Australia Group, NSG and the Wassenaar Arrangement. “We expect the membership of MTCR to be announced on June 7 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Washington. For India, the membership will also help add capabilities to its high altitude, long range Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with or without armed payload.

Source: Hindustan Times June 05, 2016 08:15 UTC