Strengthening India's Export Controls: The Critical Role Of Internal Compliance Programs

Introduction

Imports into India and exports from India, especially of dual use items, are strictly regulated under the laws of India. This is to ensure compliance with global mandates acceded to by India.

Dual use items are items which, though used regularly for civilian purposes, could also be of use for military application. Internationally, numerous arrangements/agreements are in place to ensure that such items capable of dual use do not end up being used for the wrong purposes.

India has come a long way in aligning itself with global export control regimes. As a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime, the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the Australia Group, and by harmonizing its policies with the Nuclear Suppliers Group, India has shown its commitment to non-proliferation. One of the key obligations under the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 is to ensure that non-state actors, particularly those involved in terrorism, do not get access to weapons of