Hague Code of Conduct(HCoC)
Strengthening worldwide attempt to contain the spread of ballistic missiles India joined a global regime against ballistc missile proliferation but made it clear that this would not have any impact on National security as well as its missile programme.
About HCoC:
Hague Code of Conduct(HCoC) is a global ballistic missile proliferation regime established in 2002.
It is a voluntary legally non-binding multilateral body aimed at preventing the spread of ballistic missiles that can deliver weapons of mass destruction.
It is a voluntary legally non-binding multilateral body aimed at preventing the spread of ballistic missiles that can deliver weapons of mass destruction.
- It is the only multilateral code in the area of disarmament which has been adopted over the last years. It is the only normative instrument to verify the spread of ballistic missiles.
- The HCOC does not ban ballistic missiles, but it does call for restraint in their production, testing, and export. Presently, there are 137 signatories.
- The Code is meant to supplement the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) but its membership is not restricted. Under the Code, States make politically binding commitments to curb the proliferation of WMD-capable ballistic missiles and to exercise maximum restraint in developing, testing, and deploying such missiles.
- Given the similarities between the technologies used in ballistic missiles and civilian rockets, the Code also introduces transparency measures such as annual declarations and pre-launch notifications regarding ballistic missile and space launch programs.
- Austria is the administrative Central Contact of the Code, coordinating the information exchange under HCOC.
