ISRO, DRDO removed from US export control list

The United States has cleared several Indian government defense-related companies, including Defense Research and Development Oganisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) from “Entity List”, a move to augment hi-tech trade and forge closer strategic ties with India.

The Obama Administration’s Monday move to clear nine Indian space and defence related organisations was welcome in India, which is celebrating its Republic Day on Wednesday.

The move was described as the “first steps” to implement the export control policy initiatives announced by President Barrack Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Nov 8, 2010.

The entities being removed are: Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL), the four remaining subordinates of the DRDO: Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Defence Research and Development Lab (DRDL), Missile Research and Development Complex; Solid State Physics Laboratory; and the four remaining subordinates of the ISRO: Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Solid Propellant Space Booster Plant (SPROB), Sriharikota Space Centre (SHAR), and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).

?Today?s action marks a significant milestone in reinforcing the U.S.?India strategic partnership and moving forward with export control reforms that will facilitate high technology trade and cooperation,? Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said after a federal notification was issued in the federal registry.