NEW DELHI: India will have to wait for longer to get into the Missile Technology Control Regime as the meeting in Rotterdam ended on Friday without reaching a consensus on New Delhi’s membership.
The outgoing Norwegian chair of MTCR Roald Næss tweeted on Friday evening, “Broad support for Indian membership in MTCR, but regrettably no consensus yet. I remain optimistic.”
Since it was a closed door meeting, it isn’t clear why there was no consensus on India’s membership. A public statement issued after the MTCR meeting in Rotterdam stated, “Partners exchanged views on issues relating to future membership. Individual applications for membership were thoroughly discussed. The membership issue will continue to be on the agenda.”
Besides India, Latvia’s membership was also on the agenda. Late on Friday night, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said India’s application, which was submitted in June, was “received well and it remains under consideration”.
“We are hopeful that MTCR discussions on this issue will conclude soon,” he said. He added that India’s membership in the MTCR and other export control regimes would further strengthen global non-proliferation objectives.
The 34-member MTCR which was formed to curb the delivery system of missiles, is the first of four non-proliferation regimes of which India aspires to become a member.