India last week gained entry into the Australia Group, an important non-proliferation regime

Washington: The US has congratulated India on joining the Australia Group saying it underscores New Delhi's excellent non-proliferation credentials and commitment to preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

India last week gained entry into the Australia Group (AG), an important non-proliferation regime which seeks to ensure that exports do not contribute to the development of chemical or biological weapons.

"This latest accomplishment underscores the Indian government's excellent non-proliferation credentials and commitment to preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including by regulating the trade of sensitive goods and technologies," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said on Tuesday.

"Its (India's) accession bolsters the effectiveness of the regime's non-proliferation efforts," she said.

The United States congratulates India on becoming the newest member of the Australia Group, an informal forum that seeks to prevent the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons, and which now counts 43 members, she said.

"India is a valued non-proliferation partner. We look forward to continuing our work with India in the Australia Group in furtherance of our shared nonproliferation goals," Nauert said in a statement.

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies is a multilateral export control regime.