India's entry into MTCR a 'big diplomatic victory': BJP

NEW DELHI: Under opposition flak over the government's high-pitched but unsuccessful NSG bid, BJP today cited the country's entry into Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) to hit back, saying it is a "big diplomatic victory" and the NDA dispensation succeeded where the UPA "failed".

The MTCR membership will provide a boost to India's space and missile technology, besides the government's Make in India initiative, the party said.

"Efforts to get MTCR membership had been on since 2004. This government's success now is a strong answer to our critics. It is a big diplomatic victory and successful outcome of our efforts in the last two years," BJP National Secretary Shrikant Sharma told reporters.

Noting that neither China, which played a key role in stalling India's NSG bid, nor Pakistan was a MTCR member, he said India is the first country from the region to enter the grouping.

"The world now can no longer ignore India. It has emerged as a strong force," he said, adding opposition parties should appreciate the government's efforts instead of running it down.

Asked about the failure to find a place in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Sharma played it down saying the government was hopeful of getting its membership in future and its hard work should be lauded.