UPSC Prelims 2022 Q66: Current Affairs – International Organisations & Groupings
Consider the following:
1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
2. Missile Technology Control Regime
3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
India is a member of which of the above?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
India's membership of three groupings
| Grouping | India's status | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) | Founding member | India is the second-largest shareholder after China; HQ in Beijing |
| Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) | Member since 2016 | India joined as the 35th member in June 2016 |
| Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) | Full member since 2017 | India and Pakistan joined at the Astana summit |
India and export-control regimes:
| Regime | India a member? |
|---|---|
| MTCR | Yes (2016) |
| Wassenaar Arrangement | Yes (2017) |
| Australia Group | Yes (2018) |
| Nuclear Suppliers Group | No (blocked by China) |
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. India is also a full SCO member since 2017.
- (b) Incorrect. India is also in the AIIB (founding member) and the MTCR (2016).
- (c) Incorrect. India is a founding member of the AIIB and its second-largest shareholder.
- (d) CORRECT. India belongs to the AIIB, the MTCR (2016) and the SCO (2017).
Key point
India: AIIB founding member (2nd largest shareholder), MTCR 2016, SCO 2017; not in the NSG.
Remember
India is in AIIB, MTCR and SCO; NSG is the one it lacks.
Common mistakes
- Assuming India stays out of the China-led AIIB; it is a founding member.
- Confusing MTCR (member) with the Nuclear Suppliers Group (not a member).
- Forgetting India became a full SCO member in 2017.
Exam tip
India is in three of the four export-control regimes (MTCR, Wassenaar, Australia Group); the NSG is the exception.
Sources
- Ministry of External Affairs — India and the MTCR (June 2016)
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank — Members and shareholding