Conference on Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)
External Affairs Minister attended a conference on the 50th anniversary of the Biological Weapons Convention, New Delhi, on December 1, 2025. The focus was on strengthening biosecurity, especially for the Global South.
Key Concerns Highlighted
- The world is not adequately prepared for the threat of bioterrorism.
- Potential use of biological agents by non-state actors.
- Gaps in the BWC:
- Lack of basic institutional structures.
- Absence of a compliance system.
- No permanent technical body.
- No mechanism to track new scientific developments.
Calls for Action
- Need for modernizing the BWC to strengthen confidence through:
- Introduction of a National Implementation Framework to cover high-risk agents and dual-use research.
- Emphasizing oversight, domestic reporting, and incident management.
- Role of India and the Global South in shaping BWC’s future.
- Ensuring non-proliferation of sensitive and dual-use goods and technologies with India's robust legal and regulatory system supporting it.
Global South and Biosecurity
- Biological threats require international collaboration, with the Global South central to preparations.
- Unequal access to vaccines and medicines was highlighted as a global risk, not just a development issue.
- The Global South stands to benefit the most from stronger biosecurity, with significant contributions to make.
Mr. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of India’s vaccine diplomacy during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting India's commitment to contributing to global health security.
