India seeks representation in export control regimes

Demanding an early acceptance to its bid for membership to the export control regimes including the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), India today said its representation will be mutually beneficial given the common non-proliferation objectives and the contributions that Indian industry can make to the global economy.
Asserting that the export control reforms were all about striking a balance between national security interest and economic interest both of which were crucial for a sovereign state, Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh said a country cannot be a partner as well as a target at the same time.
"The export control reforms are all about striking a balance between national security interest and economic interest. Both of which are crucial for sovereign state. We also appreciate that export control reforms are closely linked to policy interests as countries tend to associate the easing of export restrictions and increase in trust. A country cannot be a partner and target at the same time.

"India's impeccable non-proliferation records, our responsible behaviour as a nuclear state for more than three decades. Strict adherence to a nuclear doctrine should continue to guide the expedited easing of export control restrictions. In today's global supply chain of multiple suppliers, these would also be in the interest of US industry."
She was addressing the 9th meeting of the India-US High Technology Cooperation Group (HTCG).
Appreciating the support extended by the US for India's full membership of the four export control regimes -NSG, Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Australia Group, and the Wassenaar Arrangement, she said, "We need to achieve this within the agreed timelines.

"We believe that India's membership of the four regimes will be mutually beneficial taken into account the common non- proliferation objectives, global industry linkages and the contributions that Indian industry can make with its expanding capabilities to the global economy.