The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)

35 nation (India is 35th member) grouping that controls export of missile technology, including drones and UAVs.

Setup in 1987 by the G7 countries

Aims to limit the proliferation of missile and other unmanned delivery systems that could be used for chemical or nuclear attacks.

It is an informal and voluntary partnership between 35 countries which urge each other to restrict their missile export and technologies capable of carrying a 500-kilogram payload a minimum of 300 kilometres.

The decisions are taken by consensus of all the members.

India has become 35th member of MTCR in June 2016

Would help India in getting access to world-class technology

It would have also allowed India to export its own technology to countries that comply with MTCR

MTCR membership would improve India’s stature among world nations, especially because India is a non-signatory of both NPT and CTBT that are necessary for membership

India will get to play a role in decision making process of the global body; it would help India to address some of our concerns especially with Pakistan’s nuclear program and promote our interest.

India can also sell Thorium which is abundant in India

It will be a big step in opening doors for India’s entry into other nuclear regimes it is eyeing for (NSG, Australia Group and Wassenaar Group)