The United States said it was ending export restrictions for India's defence and space industries, eyeing trade with a nation shunned for more than a decade over its nuclear weapons program. President Barack Obama's administration also said it would welcome India into the club of nations that regulate export controls, bringing New Delhi full circle from an outcast to a member of international weapons controls.
Previously, the United States barred exports to the organizations of material and technology that could have military use. "These actions will open important new opportunities for our companies and governments on co-operating in the defence and space areas," said Robert Blake, the assistant secretary of state for South Asia.