In a significant development, India and the United States have committed to enhancing their export control regimes for critical technologies. This pledge was made during the inaugural India-U.S. Strategic Trade Dialogue (IUSSTD), which aimed to explore ways to facilitate the development and trade of technologies in crucial sectors such as semiconductors, space, telecom, quantum, artificial intelligence (AI), defense, biotech, and others.
The IUSSTD is considered a vital mechanism to advance strategic technology and trade collaborations under the India-U.S. initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET). As part of this commitment, the establishment of a regular monitoring group has been proposed to review the progress in deepening cooperation in bilateral high-tech trade and technology partnership.
Export Control Regime for Critical Technologies
- Wassenaar Arrangement: Promoting Transparency and Responsibility
The Wassenaar Arrangement, established in 1996, serves as a platform to promote transparency and responsibility in the transfer of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies. Dual-use goods are those that have both civilian and military applications. By preventing destabilizing accumulations of such items, the Wassenaar Arrangement aims to ensure global security and prevent misuse. Currently, the Wassenaar Arrangement has 42 member states, including India.
- Nuclear Suppliers Group: Preventing Nuclear Proliferation
The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a group of countries that work together to prevent nuclear proliferation by controlling the export of materials, equipment, and technology that can be used to manufacture nuclear weapons. The NSG was formed in response to India’s nuclear test in May 1974. With 48 member states, the NSG plays a crucial role in maintaining global non-proliferation efforts. It is worth noting that India is not currently a member of this group.
- Australia Group: Preventing Chemical and Biological Weapons Development
The Australia Group (AG) is an informal forum comprising countries dedicated to ensuring that exports do not contribute to the development of chemical or biological weapons. Established in 1985, the group focuses on controlling the export of goods and technologies that could be misused for malicious purposes. The AG currently consists of 43 members, including India and the European Union, working collaboratively to safeguard global security.
- Missile Technology Control Regime: Curbing Missile Proliferation
The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is an international group of 35 member states committed to limiting the proliferation of missiles and missile technology. Formed in 1987, the MTCR works toward preventing the spread of missile-related technologies that could potentially be used for military purposes. India, recognizing the importance of curbing missile proliferation, is an active member of the MTCR.
Important Points:
- 🌐 India and the U.S. pledged to streamline export control regimes for critical technologies at the inaugural India-U.S. Strategic Trade Dialogue (IUSSTD).
- 🤝 IUSSTD aims to facilitate the development and trade of technologies in critical domains such as semiconductors, space, telecom, quantum, AI, defense, bio-tech, and others.
- 📊 A regular monitoring group will be established to review progress in deepening cooperation in bilateral high-tech trade and technology partnership.
- 💼 The Wassenaar Arrangement promotes transparency and responsibility in transfers of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies.
- 🌍 The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) controls the export of materials, equipment, and technology to prevent nuclear proliferation.
- 🧪 The Australia Group (AG) ensures that exports do not contribute to the development of chemical or biological weapons.
- 🚀 The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) limits the proliferation of missiles and missile technology.
- 🤝 India is a member of the Wassenaar Arrangement, Australia Group, and MTCR.
- ❌ India is not a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
- 🌐 The India-U.S. collaboration on critical technologies aims to enhance trade, technological development, and global security.
- 💡 Collaborations like IUSSTD pave the way for economic growth, mutual benefits, and responsible export practices.
Why In News
During the inaugural India-U.S. Strategic Trade Dialogue (IUSSTD), both nations expressed their commitment to enhancing collaboration in regulating the export of critical technologies, aiming to establish more efficient and synchronized export control regimes. They emphasized the importance of aligning policies and procedures to facilitate responsible and secure trade while safeguarding national security interests.
MCQs about India-U.S. Collaboration on Critical Technologies
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What is the purpose of the Wassenaar Arrangement?
A. To promote transparency in trade relations
B. To prevent nuclear proliferation
C. To control the export of chemical and biological weapons
D. To prevent the accumulation of conventional arms and dual-use goods
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Which group focuses on preventing the development of chemical or biological weapons?
A. Wassenaar Arrangement
B. Nuclear Suppliers Group
C. Australia Group
D. Missile Technology Control Regime
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India’s membership in which group demonstrates its commitment to non-proliferation efforts?
A. Wassenaar Arrangement
B. Nuclear Suppliers Group
C. Australia Group
D. Missile Technology Control Regime
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Which dialogue serves as a key mechanism for strategic technology and trade collaborations between India and the U.S.?
A. India-U.S. Strategic Trade Dialogue (IUSSTD)
B. Nuclear Suppliers Group dialogue
C. Australia Group dialogue
D. Wassenaar Arrangement dialogue
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