In a major breakthrough for the Modi government, members of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), a key anti-proliferation grouping, have agreed to admit India, diplomats said. The development is a big win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he meets President Barack Obama in Washington.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS:

Diplomats with direct knowledge of the matter said a deadline for the members of the 34-nation group to object to India's admission had expired on Monday, without any of them raising objections. Under this so-called 'silent procedure', India's admission follows automatically, diplomats from four MTCR member nations told Reuters on condition of anonymity. Admission to the MTCR would open the way for India to buy high-end missile technology. This entry also makes more realistic India's aspirations to buy state-of-the-art surveillance drones such as the American Predator. India also makes a supersonic cruise missile, the BrahMos, in a joint venture with Russia that both hope to sell to third countries. Membership of the rules-based MTCR would require India to comply with rules - such as a maximum missile range of 300 km - that seek to prevent arms races from developing. India's foreign ministry said before Modi departed on a five-country tour last weekend that the MTCR process was "looking good". Spokesman Vikas Swarup, who was travelling with Modi, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This entry also makes more realistic India's aspirations to buy state-of-the-art surveillance drones such as the American Predator. This entry also makes more realistic India's aspirations to buy state-of-the-art surveillance drones such as the American Predator.

WHAT IS MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime)

- Established in 1987 as voluntary grouping.

- Aims to limit spread of ballistic missiles.

- Limit unmanned delivery systems that could be used for weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

-34 member grouping consists of world's key missile manufacturers.

-Members urged to restrict export of missiles.

-Restrict export of technology capable of carrying 500 kilos payload at least 3000 kms

- Since 2008, India amongst 5 countries that are unilateral adherents to MTCR.

-MTCR entry could help India become significant arms exporter.

-India joined Hague Code of Conduct (HCoC) last week.

-HCoC against ballistic missile proliferation crucial for India's entry to MTCR.

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