Biosecurity Challenges and India’s Policy Response
Context
Recently, the External Affairs Minister of India addressed a conference marking 50 years of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), underlining the importance of global biosecurity.
Biosecurity Meaning
Biosecurity refers to systems and practices aimed at preventing the intentional misuse of biological agents, toxins, or related technologies.
It includes laboratory security, outbreak detection, and containment, covering human, animal, and agricultural health.
Biosecurity and Biosafety
Biosafety focuses on preventing accidental release of pathogens, while biosecurity addresses deliberate misuse.
A robust biosafety framework strengthens biosecurity.
Biological Weapons Convention Overview
The BWC is the first multilateral treaty banning an entire category of weapons of mass destruction.
It prohibits the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, and transfer of biological weapons.
Key Facts on BWC
Opened for signature in 1972 and entered into force in 1975.
Has 189 States Parties as of May 2025.
Builds upon the 1925 Geneva Protocol, which banned only use.
Provides for five-yearly Review Conferences and promotes peaceful cooperation.
Need for Biosecurity in India
India’s geography and biodiversity increase exposure to bio-risks.
A large population and agrarian dependence magnify biological threats.
Incidents like ricin toxin preparation highlight risks from non-state actors.
Rapid expansion of biotechnology raises dual-use concerns.
India’s Bio-risk Reduction Framework
Institutional Measures
Department of Biotechnology for research governance
National Centre for Disease Control for surveillance
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying for livestock biosecurity
Plant Quarantine Organisation for agricultural biosecurity
Legal and Policy Measures
Environment Protection Act, 1986 on hazardous microorganisms and GMOs
WMD Act, 2005 criminalising biological weapons
Biosafety Rules, 1989 and 2017 biocontainment guidelines
NDMA guidelines on biological disasters
International Engagement
India is a party to the BWC and a member of the Australia Group.
Challenges
Lack of a unified national biosecurity framework.
Outdated laws not aligned with emerging biothreats.
India ranks 66th in the Global Health Security Index, with weaker response capacity.
Conclusion
Weak biosecurity threatens public health, agriculture, and national security.
A coordinated national biosecurity framework and adoption of advanced biodefence technologies are essential for India’s preparedness.
Source : The Hindu