Recently, India assumed chairmanship of Wassenaar Arrangement for
a year starting from January 1, 2023.
About MECRs
MECRs are voluntary and non-binding agreements created by the
major supplier countries which seek to co-operate in their effort to prevent
and regulate-
Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and
delivery systems.
Transfer of certain military and dual use technology and advanced
conventional weapons.
There are 4 MECRs; they are independent of the United Nations.
India is a member of 3 of the 4 MECRs, except the NSG and China is
member of the NSG only.
Zangger Committee
It is misunderstood as MECR but it is formally not an MECR.
It has developed guidance on nuclear export restrictions required by
the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The 4 MECRs
Wassenaar Arrangement (WA)
To promote transparency and greater responsibility in transfers of
conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies.
There are 43 members including India (joined in 2018), China is
not a member.
The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
Prevents nuclear proliferation by implementing guidelines for
control of nuclear related technology.
A 48 membered group including China, established in 1974 in
response to India’s nuclear test.
India is not a member as India is not a signatory to the nuclear
Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The Australia Group
Works to control chemical and biological technology that could be
weaponized.
Established in 1985 in response to Iraq's use of chemical
weapons during the Iran-Iraq War.
India joined in January 2018 as the 43rd member
Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
Prevents the proliferation of missile and UAV technology capable
of carrying greater than 500 kg payload for more than 300 km.
The Hague Code of Conduct is related to control of the missile
technology and compliments the MTCR.
