Australia Group

Australia Group which was established in 1985 as a multilateral export control regime (MECR) and informal group that works to counter spread of materials, equipment and technologies that could contribute to development or acquisition of chemical and biological weapons (CBW) by states or terrorist groups through harmonisation of export controls. The initial focus of the group was on chemical agents, but by the 1990s, the mandate was expanded to include biological agents as well.

Facts

• India has been admitted as 43rd member to Australia group.
• With its admission into Australia Group, India is now part of three of the four key export control groups in world dealing with non-proliferation. Other two includes Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Wassennar agreement.
• India is not a member in Nuclear Suppliers Group