IAEA Backs India’s NSG Bid via MECR

• 29 Mar 2025

Source: IE 

Why in News?

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has backed India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), a key body within the 4 major Multilateral Export Control Regimes (MECR). 

What are Multilateral Export Control Regimes (MECR)? 

• About: MECR are voluntary frameworks aimed at preventing the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) and restricting the transfer of sensitive technologies. 
  • India is a member of 3 out of the 4 MECRs, except the NSG. 
• Key Features: They function independently of the United Nations (UN). 
  • Their regulations apply only to members, and participation is voluntary. 

4 Major Regimes: 

• Australia Group (AG): 
  • AG was formed in 1985 as an informal forum of 43 countries aimed at preventing the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons.  
  • The group helps members comply with the Chemical Weapons Convention and Biological & Toxin Weapons Convention.  
  • India joined it in 2018, strengthening its position for membership in the NSG and advancing global non-proliferation objectives. 
• Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR): 
  • MTCR is a voluntary, informal partnership of 35 countries, established in 1987, which aims to limit the proliferation of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of delivering WMDs.  
  • It restricts the supply of such systems to non-members and is based on consensus decisions.  
  • India joined as the 35th member in 2016, gaining access to advanced missile technologies. Members are obligated to share military information and consult on exports.  
• Wassenaar Arrangement:  
  • It aims to regulate the transfer of conventional arms and dual-use technologies.  
  • It establishes lists of sensitive items for export controls to prevent destabilizing arms buildups and ensures that transfers do not enhance military capabilities that could undermine global stability. 
  • Member countries are required to implement controls and report on the transfer of controlled items.  
  • India joined it in 2017. 
• Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG):  
  • NSG was formed in response to India's 1974 nuclear tests, aims to prevent nuclear proliferation by regulating nuclear and related exports.  
  • It has 48 members and a Trigger List that restricts the export of certain nuclear items to non-nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)  signatories.  
  • India's NSG membership bid has been blocked by China, which calls for non-discriminatory procedures for countries outside the NPT and links India's entry to Pakistan's membership, despite Pakistan's ineligibility. 

 

IAEA 

• It was established in 1957 for promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and preventing its military use, including nuclear weapons. 
• It is headquartered in Vienna, Austria and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005. 
• It reports to both the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and the UN Security Council (UNSC). 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims:

Q. In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA safeguards” while others are not? (2020)

(a) Some use uranium and others use thorium 

(b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies 

(c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises 

(d) Some are State-owned and others are privately owned 

Ans: (b) 

Q. In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional Protocol’ with the ‘International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’? (2018)

(a) The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards. 

(b) The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA. 

(c) The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). 

(d) The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG. 

Ans: (a)