EU sanctions Indian tech Firm-Si2 Microsystems for dual-use items

Source-This post on EU sanctions Indian tech Firm-Si2 Microsystems for dual-use items is based on the article “Government ‘examining’ Indian tech company in EU, U.S. sanctions list” published in “The Hindu” on 27th February 2024.

Why in the News?

The European Union (EU) has recently sanctioned Si2 Microsystems, an Indian tech firm, for its alleged connections with Russia regarding dual-use items. Previously, the U.S. also banned it from transferring “dual-use” technology.

What are dual-use items?

1. About– Dual-use items are products and technology that can be used both for civilian and military applications.

2. Regulatory oversight– Governments strictly regulate the export, transfer, and use of dual-use items to prevent their misuse in activities such as weapons development, terrorism, or other illicit purposes.

3. Examples– Global positioning satellites, missiles, nuclear technology, chemical and biological tools, night vision technology, thermal imaging, some models of drones, aluminum pipes with precise specifications or certain kinds of ball bearings.

What are the global control mechanisms for dual use items?

1. Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)- It is a multilateral export control regime aimed at reducing the risks of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation.
a. Established in 1987 by G7 countries.
b. It Consists of 35 member countries.
c. India became its 35th member in 2016.

2. Wassenaar Agreement– It is a multilateral export control regime that aims to regulate the export of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies.
a. Established on 12 July 1996, in Wassenaar, near The Hague, Netherlands
b. It consists of 42 participating countries.
c. India is a member of it.

3. Nuclear Suppliers Group– NSG is a group of nuclear supplier countries that frames and implements agreed rules for exporting nuclear equipment with a view to controlling the spread of nuclear weapons
a. It was set up in 1974 as a response to India’s nuclear tests.
b. It has 48 member states and the European Commission acts as an Observer.
c. India is not a member of it.

UPSC Syllabus- International Relations