U.S. Ends High-tech Export Restrictions to IndiaFebruary 04, 2011

 

India has now come full circle — from a nation that was under a high-tech embargo for its nuclear weapons program to one receiving an invitation to join a group of nations that regulate export controls.

President Barak Obama says the United States is ending its export restrictions on technology that could be used by India's defense and space industries, according to an article in the AFP.

"These actions will open important new opportunities for our companies and governments on cooperating in the defense and space areas," said Robert Blake, the assistant secretary of state for South Asia.

These are the first public details since Obama announced during his trip to India in November that he would ease restrictions. Some of India's biggest military and aerospace research entities — like the Indian Space Research Organization and the Defense Research and Development Organization — will come off the U.S. black list. India has been under embargo for such technology since its nuclear tests in 1998.

China also wants fewer restrictions on high-tech imports but the U.S. and other countries are still concerned about Beijing's unwillingness to prevent the theft of intellectual property, and its economic and tariff stance on its exports, according to the AFP.

India's emergence as a growing defense market, as the country modernizes its jet fighter fleet and other weapons systems, has enticed the U.S. to reconsider its ban. The AFP article also notes that the U.S. and other western countries hope to supply India with civilian nuclear technology as it begins to expand nuclear energy programs to meet its growing energy needs.

With this announcement, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke is headed to India in early February to promote high-tech trade. He said the easing of the restrictions is "a significant milestone in reinforcing the U.S.-India strategic partnership."

Joining him on this trade mission will be executives from Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Westinghouse Electric, according to the AFP.