India Urges Stronger Global Measures to Prevent Biological Weapon Misuse

India has taken a significant step in global biosecurity discourse by calling for the modernization of the international framework governing biological weapons. Speaking at a conference commemorating 50 years of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that the threat of biological attacks is no longer a distant possibility. He highlighted that advancements in biotechnology and the rise of non-state actors have made the misuse of biological agents a pressing concern for global security.

EAM S Jaishankar (X/@DrSJaishankar) | News18

The Changing Threat Landscape

The urgency of India’s call stems from rapid developments in biotechnology, synthetic biology, and genome editing. These scientific advancements, while beneficial for medicine and agriculture, have simultaneously lowered the technical barriers for malicious use. Jaishankar warned that non-state actors could potentially leverage these technologies to conduct bioterrorism, turning what was once considered a hypothetical threat into a tangible risk. The COVID-19 pandemic further illustrated the global vulnerability to biological threats, demonstrating how quickly a pathogen can spread across borders and overwhelm health systems.

Limitations of the Current Framework

While the BWC has provided a foundation for global norms against biological weapons, its structural limitations hinder its effectiveness in today’s context. The treaty lacks a permanent technical body, has no enforcement or verification mechanism, and does not systematically monitor scientific developments that could facilitate misuse. Experts note that these gaps reduce the treaty’s ability to prevent covert biological weapons programs or dual-use research from being exploited for malicious purposes. Without modernization, the BWC risks becoming insufficient in addressing the evolving biological threat landscape.

India’s Vision for a Robust Global Biosecurity Framework

India has outlined a comprehensive approach to strengthen both national and global biosecurity. On the international level, it has called for the BWC to be updated with verification protocols, a permanent technical body, and systematic oversight of emerging technologies. The nation advocates for global cooperation that allows peaceful exchange of biological materials under strict supervision, ensuring that legitimate research and innovation continue without compromising security.

Domestically, India is working to implement a “National Implementation Framework” that includes monitoring high-risk agents, overseeing dual-use research, establishing mandatory reporting procedures, and building rapid-response capabilities. This approach aims to make the country more resilient to biological threats while contributing to global biosecurity efforts, particularly in regions where surveillance and health infrastructure are limited.

Emerging Challenges and the Role of Technology

Beyond traditional biological threats, the convergence of artificial intelligence with biotechnology presents new challenges. AI can accelerate the design of biological agents, potentially enabling actors with limited expertise to create harmful pathogens. This blurring of lines between legitimate research and weaponization underscores the urgency of global oversight, transparency, and international cooperation. India’s advocacy for modernization of the BWC aligns with the need to address these emerging technological risks and safeguard humanity from potential misuse.

The Global Imperative

Biological threats are inherently transnational, making international collaboration essential. India’s initiative reflects both a strategic and moral imperative: nations with advanced scientific capabilities have a responsibility to lead efforts in fortifying global biosecurity. Strengthening treaties, improving monitoring, and supporting vulnerable countries can ensure that biotechnology remains a force for good, not destruction. By modernizing the BWC and implementing a national biosecurity framework, India is positioning itself as a proactive leader in global efforts to prevent biological weapon misuse.

The MGMM Outlook

India has taken a decisive stance on global biosecurity, urging the modernization of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) to address contemporary threats. Highlighting the evolving risk landscape, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar noted that advances in biotechnology, synthetic biology, and genome editing have lowered technical barriers, enabling non-state actors to potentially exploit these technologies for bioterrorism. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored how swiftly biological agents can cross borders and overwhelm health systems, making the risk of biological attacks a present-day concern rather than a hypothetical one. India stresses that without verification mechanisms, systematic oversight, and a permanent technical body, the BWC’s current structure is insufficient to counter emerging threats effectively.

In response, India has proposed a comprehensive approach combining international and domestic measures to strengthen biosecurity. Globally, the country advocates for updating the BWC with enforceable protocols and fostering cooperative frameworks that allow the safe exchange of biological materials. Domestically, India is implementing a “National Implementation Framework” to monitor high-risk agents, oversee dual-use research, enforce reporting standards, and build rapid-response capabilities. With the convergence of artificial intelligence and biotechnology presenting new challenges, India’s efforts highlight the need for transparency, cooperation, and technological vigilance. By taking proactive steps, India positions itself as a leader in shaping a global framework that ensures biotechnology serves humanity safely, balancing innovation with security.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, NDTV, News18)