Russia formally welcomes India's MTCR membership

NEW DELHI: Russia has formally welcomed India's much awaited membership in the Missile Technology Control Regime ( MTCR).

India formally joined MTCR as the 35th member on June 27 with Russia besides USA and France strongly supporting India's case.

"For many years the Russian Federation advocated the accession of India - a state with advanced missile and space capabilities, an effective system of export control and adherence to the aims and objectives of non-proliferation - to this multilateral export control regime. We are convinced that with the entry of India into MTCR there will be given additional impetus to global efforts to counter the proliferation of means of delivery of weapons of mass destruction and related materials, increased the credibility and relevance of the regime itself," according to a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

"Ready for a fruitful and constructive cooperation with our Indian friends in this format," noted the Ministry statement.

India-Russia cooperation in space and missile program and other high technology items are expected to grow following India's accession to MTCR. Supersonic missile Brahmos -- Indo-Russian joint collaboration -- could now be easy for Delhi to export following MTCR membership.