MTCR :
- Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is a multilateral export control regime.
- It is an informal and voluntary partnership among 35 member states that seek to limit the proliferation of missiles and missile technology.
- The regime was formed in 1987 by the G-7 industrialized countries.
- Objective : The MTCR aims to limit the proliferation of missiles, rocket systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and related technology capable of carrying a 500-kilogram payload over 300 kilometers, as well as systems for delivering weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
- The regime relies on adhering to shared export policy guidelines applied to a unified list of controlled items.
- launched The Hague Code of Conduct ⇒ an arrangement to prevent the proliferation of ballistic missiles
- India was inducted into the Missile Technology Control Regime in 2016 as the 35th member.
Australia Group:
- An informal forum of 43 countries (Including EU) to employ licensing measures to restrict exports of specific chemicals, biological agents, and dual-use manufacturing facilities and equipment that could facilitate chemical or biological weapons (CBWs) proliferation.
- All states participating in the Australia Group are parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)
- Its formation was prompted by Iraq’s use of chemical weapons during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988).
- India joined the Australia Group (AG) on 19 January 2018.
Biological weapons are living organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) or their toxins, engineered to harm humans, animals, or crops. They can spread infectious diseases or produce toxins that are lethal or incapacitating.
International Efforts to prevent their proliferation:
- 1925 Geneva Protocol: Banned use (not possession) of biological weapons.
- Biological Weapons Convention (1972):
- Prohibits development, production, stockpiling, and transfer of biological weapons.
- Lacks strong verification mechanisms.
- UNSC Resolution 1540 (2004): Prevents WMD access by non-state actors, mandates national controls.
India’s Stand:
- Committed to BWC (ratified in 1974).
- No biological weapons program.
- Focus on biodefense (through DRDO) and bioterrorism preparedness.
- Strict regulation under WMD Act, 2005.
