Why in news?
Export control regimes came under the spotlight in September 2025 when the Wassenaar Arrangement updated its control lists of dual‑use technologies and conventional arms. India, a member since 2017, is using these revisions to streamline its licensing procedures and support its growing defence manufacturing industry.
What is the Wassenaar Arrangement?
The Wassenaar Arrangement is a voluntary export‑control regime established in 1996 in the town of Wassenaar in the Netherlands. It aims to prevent destabilising accumulations of conventional arms and sensitive dual‑use goods and technologies. Participating states exchange information on transfers and deny exports that could contribute to regional or global instability.
Key features
- Dual lists: The arrangement maintains two control lists—a Munitions List covering weapons and military equipment and a Dual‑Use Goods and Technologies List. These lists are reviewed annually.
- Transparency and consensus: All 42 participating states share data on sensitive transfers, building trust. Decisions to deny exports are left to national discretion but take note of shared guidelines.
- No punitive measures: Unlike the Cold War‑era CoCom, the Wassenaar Arrangement is not legally binding and has no veto power or sanctions mechanism. Its strength lies in voluntary adherence.
- India’s membership: India joined in December 2017, which eased its access to high‑tech components and signalled its commitment to responsible exports. Membership also strengthens India’s case for entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Recent updates and their significance
The 2025 updates added controls on emerging technologies such as advanced semiconductors, quantum sensors and AI‑enabled surveillance systems. For India, aligning national lists with these categories ensures that its exports meet global norms. It also encourages domestic companies to innovate within ethical boundaries. As India grows as a defence exporter, consistent adherence to Wassenaar guidelines will help it build trust with partners.