- Formation: The Australia Group (AG) was established in 1985 in response to growing concerns about the spread of chemical and biological weapons. It is an informal multilateral export control regime.
- Objective: The primary objective of the Australia Group is to prevent the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons by controlling the export of materials, equipment, and technologies that could be used in their production.
- Membership: The Australia Group consists of 43 member countries. It includes major exporters and producers of chemical and biological technology, as well as countries committed to non-proliferation efforts.
- Controlled Items: The Australia Group identifies a list of controlled items, which includes various chemicals, biological agents, equipment, and technologies that have potential applications in chemical and biological weapons development.
- Export Controls: Member countries of the Australia Group adhere to its guidelines when exporting items listed in the control list. The guidelines are designed to ensure that sensitive technology and materials do not end up in the wrong hands.
- Dual-Use Technology: Similar to other non-proliferation regimes like the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Australia Group also deals with dual-use technology, which can have both civilian and military applications.
- Outreach: The Australia Group engages in outreach efforts to promote global non-proliferation objectives and encourages non-member countries to adopt and implement its export control guidelines voluntarily.
- Relationship with Other Regimes: The Australia Group collaborates with other multilateral export control regimes, such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement, to reinforce non-proliferation efforts.
- India’s Membership: India is not a member of the Australia Group. However, India has expressed its interest in joining the group to further contribute to global non-proliferation efforts.