Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)

Definition

An informal, voluntary multilateral export-control grouping that seeks to limit the proliferation of missiles and unmanned delivery systems capable of carrying weapons of mass destruction.

Key points

• It was established in 1987 by the G7 countries; it is a voluntary political arrangement, not a treaty, and has no legally binding force.
• Its focus is on controlling exports of missiles and related technology capable of delivering a payload of at least 500 kg to a range of at least 300 km.
• India joined the MTCR in 2016 as its 35th member, which was its first entry into the four major multilateral export-control regimes.
• Membership eased India's access to advanced missile and drone technology and supported cooperation such as the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile programme with Russia.
• It is one of the four export-control regimes, the others being the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the Australia Group.

Why it matters for CAPF

Export-control regimes and India's membership are popular international-relations current-affairs items; the MTCR's 1987 origin, its 300 km / 500 kg threshold, and India's 2016 entry are commonly tested.

Common confusion

The MTCR controls missiles and delivery systems; the NSG controls nuclear material and technology; the Australia Group covers chemical and biological items; the Wassenaar Arrangement covers conventional arms and dual-use goods. India is a member of all except the NSG.

Related concepts

concept nuclear suppliers group, concept wassenaar arrangement, concept australia group, concept comprehensive test ban treaty

Parent note

indias space and missile programme