In a significant address on the global stage, India has powerfully reiterated its steadfast commitment to a world free of biological weapons. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar delivered India's national statement at the high-level segment of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Review Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, marking the 50th anniversary of this crucial disarmament treaty.
India's Unwavering Stance on Disarmament
Speaking at the conference, which commenced on December 4, 2023, Minister Jaishankar left no room for ambiguity regarding India's position. He emphasized that India remains fully committed to the complete and effective implementation of the BWC in all its aspects. This commitment, he noted, is not new but a consistent pillar of India's foreign policy, rooted in the nation's historical advocacy for total nuclear disarmament.
Jaishankar highlighted the critical importance of the Convention in the contemporary security landscape. He pointed out that the BWC serves as a fundamental bulwark against the development and use of biological agents as tools of warfare or terror. In an era where scientific advancements in biology are rapid, the Minister stressed that strengthening the treaty's provisions is more vital than ever to prevent any potential misuse.
Balancing Security with Peaceful Cooperation
The External Affairs Minister presented a nuanced vision that goes beyond mere prohibition. He articulated that the global community must strike a careful balance. While rigorously upholding the security norms of the BWC, nations must also actively foster international cooperation in peaceful uses of biotechnology.
Jaishankar argued that this dual approach is essential for building trust and ensuring the treaty's continued relevance. He underscored India's belief that collaborative scientific endeavors for peaceful purposes, including in healthcare and agriculture, are key to demonstrating the tangible benefits of a world committed to biological security.
India's own role as a responsible stakeholder was a central theme. The Minister outlined the country's robust national framework, which includes strict export controls and comprehensive domestic regulations, all designed to prevent the proliferation of biological weapons and their delivery systems.
The Path Forward for Global Biosecurity
The 50th-anniversary conference, officially known as the Ninth Review Conference of the BWC, represents a pivotal moment for member states to assess the treaty's functioning and chart its future course. Jaishankar's statement positioned India as a constructive and proactive participant in these deliberations.
He called for a forward-looking dialogue that addresses emerging challenges, promotes transparency, and enhances compliance mechanisms. The goal, as presented by India, is to fortify the BWC as an indispensable instrument of global security that can adapt to new scientific and technological realities.
By taking a clear and principled stand at this major multilateral forum, India has reinforced its image as a nation deeply invested in a rules-based international order. The message from Geneva is clear: India views the Biological Weapons Convention not as a relic of the past, but as a living document crucial for safeguarding humanity's future.
