This article has been written by, Mr. Arihant Dev Tiwari a 2nd Year Student of UPES, School of Law, Dehradun.
Abstract-
This article examines India’s strategic actions to combat state-sponsored terrorism by delving into the country’s involvement in the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) and its subsequent chairmanship. Notwithstanding its non-signatory status to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, India’s 2017 admission into the WA represents a noteworthy diplomatic accomplishment. The article highlights India’s benefits from joining WA, describing how it will affect diplomatic power, technology advancements, and international relations. The conversation also touches on India’s 2023 chairmanship of the WA, emphasizing its dedication to international security and stability. The article also emphasizes how India’s G20 presidency and its fight against terrorism are linked. Lastly, it looks at how the WA’s regulation of the trade in weapons and dual-use technologies makes it an invaluable weapon in India’s war on terrorism. To eradicate the underlying causes of terrorism and advance international peace and security, a concerted effort made possible by the WA is considered necessary.
Key-words- Wassenaar Arrangement (WA), India, Dual-use technologies, Non-proliferation efforts, Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Military Capabilities, Space industry, Diplomatic power, international relations, Weapons proliferation, Chairmanship, Global Security, International cooperation, Counterterrorism, State-sponsored terrorism, financial support, Terrorism financial, International frameworks, Arms control.
Introduction-
The Wassenaar Arrangement constitutes a voluntary export control regime wherein participating nations collectively regulate the export of conventional weaponry and dual-use technologies. The primary objective is to proactively inhibit the unauthorised sale or transfer of said arms and technologies beyond the confines of the arrangement. Recognising the dual-use nature of certain arms and technologies, which possess the potential for both fostering peace and order and contributing to acts of aggression against other sovereign nations, the arrangement seeks to establish a framework to prevent violations of international laws governing such matters. The Wassenaar Arrangement, established as the successor to NATO’s Coordinating Committee on Multilateral Export Controls (COCOM), represents a pivotal evolution in the global governance of conventional arms and dual-use goods. COCOM, originally conceived during the Cold War, served the strategic purpose of constraining the acquisition of weapons and advanced technologies by the Soviet Union and its Eastern Bloc allies. In the aftermath of the Cold War, recognising the need for a more inclusive and comprehensive framework, the COCOM regime was formally dismantled in Wassenaar, Netherlands, in 1993. The Wassenaar Arrangement inaugurated as a redefined and globally-oriented entity, emerged with the primary objective of maintaining international security and stability by regulating the export of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies. This arrangement acknowledges the interconnected nature of contemporary security challenges. It seeks to address the potential risks associated with the proliferation of advanced weaponry and sensitive technologies on a global scale.
Underpinning the Wassenaar Arrangement is a commitment to fostering transparency, responsibility, and cooperation among its participating states. Member nations of the Wassenaar Arrangement collaborate to establish common guidelines and control mechanisms to prevent the unauthorised transfer of arms and dual-use items that could contribute to the enhancement of military capabilities or pose risks to regional and global security.
Recently, in the year 2017, India became a member of the Wassenaar arrangement, although the countries are required to sign the Nuclear Non-proliferation treaty to become a member, India, contrary to the condition has successfully become a member. In this paper, the author will discuss the importance of India’s membership in the Wassenaar arrangement, how India can counter-terrorism by joining the Wassenaar arrangement and the way forward.
India’s membership in the Wassenaar arrangement-
India became the 42nd member of the Wassenaar Arrangement in 2017, despite not having signed the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). This was a significant achievement for the country. This accomplishment was made possible by carefully revising India’s list of weapons exports to conform to the requirements outlined in the Wassenaar Arrangement. Unlike NSG and the MTCR, Wassenaar’s arrangement had several requirements to fulfil, such as if the country is a producer/supplier of dual-use arms, if it complies with the control list if the country is complying with the principles of MTCR, NPT, and CWC. India complied with three out of four conditions to become a member.
Given that India is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), this development has important ramifications for its non-proliferation efforts. It is anticipated that India’s accession to the Wassenaar Arrangement will strengthen its diplomatic efforts and raise its profile internationally, giving it a significant edge in managing international relations.
Benefits to India-
It’s important to remember that China had previously prevented India from joining the 48-member NSG. But India’s entry into the Wassenaar Arrangement shows not only how serious it is about non-proliferation, but also puts the country in a good position to pursue membership in the and the NSG. As a result of the Wassenaar arrangement India successfully joined the Australia group, in 2018 of which even China is not a part.
With India’s success in becoming a member of the NSG, its status in the world is expected to significantly increase. Joining the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) is especially promising because it would allow India to gain access to vital technologies that would strengthen its defence capabilities and spur growth in its rapidly expanding space industry. This planned rise in stature and technological power via WA and NSG membership highlights India’s dedication to promoting global cooperation in technological innovation and nuclear security, further supporting the more general goals of non-proliferation and responsible state conduct.
It is expected that this calculated move will increase India’s diplomatic power and provide a strong counterweight to China, especially as India establishes itself in international forums in which China does not participate. India can enhance its foreign policy goals and establish its presence in international diplomacy by coordinating with global non-proliferation initiatives. This will create a foundation for future cooperation and power in the international arena.
India’s entry into the Wassenaar Arrangement simplifies acquiring military hardware that would otherwise be unavailable to non-participating nations and allows for improved access to dual-use technologies and materials. With this accession, India will be able to comply with the Wassenaar Arrangement’s requirements by acquiring and using technologies that are essential for both civilian and military applications.
Moreover, the membership gives India the right to market its nuclear reactors made in the country along with other goods and machinery without facing backlash or obstacles. India’s credibility in the international market for nuclear-related goods and services is strengthened by the international recognition of its commitment to upholding the standards of the Wassenaar Arrangement, which has granted it newfound latitude in trade and commerce.
Significantly, India’s involvement in the Wassenaar Arrangement facilitates cooperative endeavours with other members, encouraging cooperative projects targeted at developing nuclear technology and military equipment. This partnership strengthens India’s technological capabilities and demonstrates its dedication to global cooperation in non-proliferation and security.
India Chairs WA-
India assumed the chairmanship of the Wassenaar arrangement on 1st January 2023. As stated in a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs, “India aims to promote transparency and greater responsibility in such transfers and prevent destabilising accumulations.” The organisation’s main objective is to deny terrorist groups access to critical technologies. India worked to further its interest in counterterrorism through arms control, and India took numerous steps to achieve this goal by chairing the Wassenaar arrangement. India remained ready and committed to working in close cooperation with other members to further the WA goal of contributing to regional and international security and stability.
Particularly in light of the recent investments and activity in our space and defence industries, India’s position as the leader of the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) Plenary is significant. India has taken several noteworthy actions in its role as chair of the WA.
First and foremost, it’s making critical technologies and procedures easier to access, which is crucial for our expanding space and defence industries. India is demonstrating its capabilities on the international scene by emerging as a cost-effective producer of numerous items on the WA’s control lists. India is leading the way in guaranteeing responsible access to sensitive technologies because it is hosting the WA Plenary. This is compliant with global regulations designed to stop the proliferation of materials and technologies that could be abused.
These actions not only benefit India’s industries but also demonstrate the country’s sincere desire to participate responsibly in international affairs. Being in charge of the WA Plenary is a mark of legitimacy that positions India as a reliable and accountable partner in global initiatives to uphold peace and security.
The impact of WA’s chairmanship, along with the G20’s chair-
India’s 2023 chairmanship of the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) coincided with a significant improvement in the nation’s international posture against terrorism. Simultaneously, India prioritized combating terrorism as part of its agenda, along with pandemics and climate change, during its G20 presidency, which began on December 1, 2022.
Engaged in global endeavours to counter-terrorism, India, through the Union Home Minister, presided over the No Money for Terrorism (NMFT) ministerial endeavour. In addition to hosting the NMFT Conference in November 2022, India suggested setting up the organization’s permanent secretariat inside its borders. Through these initiatives, the leadership’s dedication to a consistent, unified, and zero-tolerance approach against terrorism received a major boost.
India’s all-encompassing approach included tackling the causes of terrorism and acknowledging the role that the proliferation of weapons and dual-use technologies plays in providing support to terrorist groups. India’s efforts were supplemented by the WA’s mission to prevent technology transfer and cross-border trade. The NMFT concentrated on destroying the financial and support systems of terrorist groups and governments that provide cover for terrorism at the same time.
India implemented a two-pronged strategy in 2023 to eliminate both radicalism and terrorism. There were particular difficulties because of the economic difficulties in India’s western neighbour and the growing radicalization of historically moderate sects. A robust anti-proliferation framework for South Asia was built on the reinforcement of licensing and enforcement procedures under the WA and the introduction of new export controls in critical areas such as digital investigative tools and flight technology.
In conclusion, India’s accession to the Wassenaar Arrangement broadens its access to technologies that were previously unavailable to it and gives it a competitive advantage in the international trade of materials related to nuclear energy. In addition to offering financial benefits, this accession opens the door for profitable collaborations that advance society’s overall advancement in the responsible use and advancement of sensitive technologies.
Wassenaar arrangement and India’s Stand against terrorism-
India has repeatedly expressed how deeply concerned it is about terrorism, with a focus on acts that are state-sponsored. Even with coordinated efforts by multiple international forces to confront and eliminate this threat at its source, the ongoing problem is state funding and the unauthorized distribution of weapons and ammunition to sustain terrorism. The persistent character of this problem presents a serious risk to India’s economic stability, population welfare, national security, and the country’s thriving tourism industry. The negative effects of state-sponsored terrorism ripple through many aspects of the national fabric, requiring a careful and all-encompassing response.
In the context of global legal discourse, India continues to strongly support coordinated efforts to reduce state-sponsored terrorism. Acknowledging the interdependence of these matters, India highlights the critical need to sabotage the financial means that encourage terrorist acts. Furthermore, as a major facilitator of terrorism, the illicit trade in weapons and ammunition necessitates coordinated efforts to strengthen international frameworks controlling the proliferation and transfer of weapons.
The complex effects of terrorism on India’s economy, population, security, and tourism highlight how urgent it is to maintain and expand international cooperation. It takes a team effort, supported by diplomatic and legal structures, to deal with the multifaceted problems that state-sponsored terrorism and its components present. India hopes to strengthen its national resilience and significantly contribute to international efforts to eliminate this serious threat.
India is prepared to tackle the urgent problem of the proliferation of weapons, ammunition, and dual-use technologies to countries that sponsor terrorism by utilising the mechanisms made possible by the Wassenaar Arrangement. Disrupting the channels that enable the transfer of such materials to states funding terrorist activities is the strategic goal. By aiming to eliminate the underlying causes of terrorism, this coordinated effort will greatly enhance international security.
It becomes clear that the Wassenaar Arrangement is a crucial tool in India’s fight against terrorism. Strengthening restrictions on the transfer and trade of weapons, ammunition, and dual-use technology across international borders is in line with India’s commitment to respecting international standards and reducing the financial support for terrorism.
This strategy is essential to reducing the complex problems caused by state-sponsored terrorism and guaranteeing a more secure international environment. By cooperatively tackling the complex relationship between the proliferation of arms and the financing of terrorism, the Wassenaar Arrangement becomes a cornerstone of the coordinated endeavour to eradicate the underlying causes of terrorism and enhance global peace and security.
- Conclusion-
India has demonstrated its commitment to combating state-sponsored terrorism through its strategic engagement in the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) and its subsequent chairmanship. India has made great diplomatic strides with its admission into the WA in 2017 and its assumption of chairmanship in 2023, even though it is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. India’s technological prowess, diplomatic influence, and global stature are all improved by these initiatives.
India improves its defence capabilities, obtains access to vital technologies, and promotes the expansion of its space industry through the WA. With the chairmanship, India’s standing as a responsible international partner is further cemented, promoting openness and responsible access to sensitive technologies.
India’s 2023 chairmanship of WA and its G20 presidency work in tandem to demonstrate a comprehensive strategy for counterterrorism. India seeks to eradicate the underlying causes of terrorism by tackling the financial aspects of the movement and using the WA’s mission to regulate technology transfer.
To sum up, the Wassenaar Arrangement proves to be an invaluable instrument in India’s war on terror, permitting concerted attempts to limit the flow of armaments and dual-use technologies. This tactical move is in line with India’s resolve to uphold international norms, cut down on funding for terrorism, and promote increased international security. The WA is a vital component of the global effort to eliminate the root causes of terrorism and advance long-term peace and security.
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