India, Germany to set up hi-tech partnership group

In a significant move, India and Germany today agreed to set up a High Technology Partnership Group even as the European power, for the first time, expressed its support for New Delhi's bid for full membership to Multilateral Export Control Regimes.

In a significant move, India and Germany on Thursday agreed to set up a High Technology Partnership Group even as the European power, for the first time, expressed its support for New Delhi's bid for full membership to Multilateral Export Control Regimes (MECRs).

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Germany is second country to have such a partnership with India after the US.

"We look forward to expanded defence cooperation anchored in technology transfer, co-development and co-production in India.

"High technology commerce would benefit from further easing of German export controls for India. The agreement today on scientific collaboration on technologies for civilian security adds a new dimension to our growing security cooperation.

"I am very happy that, following our discussion, we have agreed to set up a High Technology Partnership Group," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel with whom he co-chaired the second round of Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGCs).

According to officials Germany also supported India's bid for full membership to four export control regimes - The Nuclear Suppliers Group, Wassenaar Arrangement, Australia Group and Missile Technology Control Regime.

Asserting that it is a "responsible nuclear power", India has sought full membership to various export control regimes.