In the news

• The EU has sanctioned Si2 Microsystems, an Indian tech company for its connections with Russia.
• It has faced previous sanctions, including being banned by the US from transferring “dual-use” technology.

What are Dual-Use Items?

• Definition: Dual-use items refer to commodities that possess the potential for application in both civilian and military contexts.
• Regulatory Scrutiny: These items are subject to stringent regulation due to their capability to be initially designed for civilian purposes but later repurposed for military or even terrorist activities.
• Examples: Examples of dual-use items include global positioning satellites, missiles, nuclear technology, chemical and biological weapons, night vision technology, drones, precision-engineered aluminium pipes, and specific types of ball bearings.

Global Control Mechanisms for Dual-Use Items

(1) Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR):

• Established: In 1987 by G-7 countries.
• Purpose: To limit the proliferation of missiles capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction.
• Membership: Consists of 35 member countries.
• Guidelines: Members coordinate national export controls to prevent missile proliferation.
• India’s Membership: India became the 35th member in 2016.

(2) Wassenaar Arrangement (WA):

• Established: In 1996 with 42 participating states.
• Purpose: Prevent destabilizing accumulations of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies.
• Export Controls: Member countries apply controls on listed items to avoid enhancing military capabilities.
• India is not a member: It it has expressed interest in joining to strengthen its export controls and enhance its non-proliferation efforts.

(3) Australia Group (AG):

• Formation: Prompted by Iraq’s use of chemical weapons in 1985.
• Focus: Initially on chemical weapons precursor chemicals, expanded to include biological weapons prevention.
• Membership: Composed of 42 member countries. India is NOT a member.
• Objective: Harmonization of international export controls on chemical and biological technologies.

(4) Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG):

• Established: In 1974 in response to India’s nuclear tests.
• Purpose: Control nuclear and nuclear-related technology to prevent proliferation.
• Membership: Consists of 48 participating governments.
• Guidelines: Aim to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons through control measures.

[Note: India is also party to key conventions such as the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and Biological and Toxic Weapons Convention (BWC).]

India’s in-house mechanisms against Dual-Use Items

• Role of DGFT: The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in India oversees the regulation of dual-use items through the SCOMET list (Specialty Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies).
• SCOMET List: SCOMET items encompass special chemicals, organisms, materials, equipment, and technologies with dual-use potential.
• Regulatory Framework: Exporting SCOMET items is subject to strict regulations, either requiring a license or being prohibited altogether.
• Alignment with International Controls: The SCOMET control list aligns with the control lists of various multilateral export control regimes and conventions.

Try this PYQ from CSP 2015:

Q.Consider the following countries

1. China
2. France
3. India
4. Israel
5. Pakistan

Which among the countries given above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
3. 2, 4 and 5 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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