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."
Singh said India was now entering a phase of "high expectations" in its bilateral ties and it could be prudent if the mechanism that serve our relationships including the HTCG match these expectations with commensurate responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Eric L Hirschhorn, Under Secretary for Bureau of Industry and Security, US Department of Commerce, said the US remains committed to supporting India's membership for multilateral export control regimes.
"Our partnership in export controls and strategic trade is critical to enhancing this strategic relationship for three reasons. First, it helps fulfill our common national security interests. Second, it demonstrates a willingness to work together on export control issues that affect global nonproliferation and homeland security. Lastly, it addresses our shared economic partnership," he said.
Singh further said, "I believe that HTCG should not only respond to bilateral cooperative needs in the fields such as export control and licensing as currently does but should look at the level of business and industry to shape itself into a more comprehensive technology strategy initiative that charts a template for public private partnership."
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