India has had a co-operation programme with the OECD since 1997. India’s external affairs minister, Jaswant Singh (see photo), said his country's membership of the Development Centre would strengthen this dialogue.

The Development Centre's president, Jorge Braga de Macedo, said the arrival of India, the world's largest democracy and second most populous nation, as a member demonstrated the Centre's inclusive approach to development.

The Development Centre, established in 1962, is a semi-independent body within the 30-member OECD; 22 OECD countries as well as the EU are also members of the Development Centre.

The centre works to foster policy dialogue and understanding between OECD countries and the developing world, notably through international meetings and publishing. The results and recommendations of its work are made freely available to OECD member countries and developing nations.

©OECD Observer No 225, March 2001