Why does India want to be a member of MTCR or NSG?
You must have encountered ‘MTCR’ and ‘NSG’ in newspapers, television news and other discussions pertaining to nuclear science and technology. Many of us tend to ignore such topics. But the truth lies in the fact that current affairs, national and international events form an integral part of General Awareness section of various bank & SSC exams.
To gain an extra edge over other aspirants, it is essential to score higher than the cut-off and that is possible only if you stay updated with important events across the globe. To facilitate your understanding about MTCR or NSG, we bring you this blog post.
What is NPT?
NPT i.e. Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty was signed in 1968 with an objective to prevent the spread of nuclear materials and weapons and to strengthen the relationship among nations. This treaty was signed by 191 countries. These countries were a part of NWS (Nuclear Weapon State) group. India and the rest of the countries viz. South Sudan, Israel and Pakistan didn’t sign this treaty.
What is Nuclear Suppliers Group?
Nuclear Suppliers Group or NSG is a group of nuclear supplier countries. This group aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and material related to nuclear technology by controlling the export of equipment and technology used to manufacture nuclear weapons.
Total members (as on 2016): 48
NSG was established in response to the first Indian nuclear test (Pokhran Test) in May 1974. The prominent feature of the test was to highlight that certain non-weapon specific nuclear technology could be used for weapons development.
Why does India want to become a member of NSG?
India’s entry into NSG will serve as a booster to escalate its position in nuclear energy and finally emerge as a nuclear country. The following parameters encourage India to become a member of NSG.
- To become an international player in field of nuclear commerce i.e. import and export of nuclear material and technology
- To reduce dependence on fossil fuels
- To get access to foreign technologies and upgradation of indigenous technology
- Creation of infrastructure for powerful nuclear reactors
- To promote ‘Make in India’ by selling our technology
- India can block Pakistan from NSG membership by consensus only
What is Missile Technology Control Regime (MCTR): Top five things to know
- Missile Technology Control Regime, MTCR aims to prevent the proliferation of missile and unmanned delivery system capable of carrying more than 500 kg payload for more than 300 km.
- There are 35 member countries
- India is the latest member in MTCR.
- India applied for the membership in June 2015, with support from France and the United States, and officially became a member on June 27, 2016.
- MTCR was established in April 1987 by the G7 countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Great Britain, and the United States.
How is MTCR beneficial to India?
- MTCR membership will enable India to buy the best missile technology and also augment its associations with Russia.
- It will also enable India and Russia to sell the supersonic ‘BrahMos’ missile.
- India is doing well in space programs but it seems that India has mastered PSLV with successful 32 consecutive launches.
Now, let’s go through some expected questions based on NSG and MTCR.
- Full form of MTCR
- Number of members in NSG
- When was MTCR established?
- Is Sri Lanka a member of MTCR?
- When was Pokhran test carried out?
Stay tuned for more articles on general awareness.
All the best on behalf of Team CL!
