Jaishankar urges Global South to lead global biosecurity measures
On Monday, New Delhi became the focal point for a critical international dialogue on global safety as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated a special conference marking a major milestone in disarmament history. Addressing delegates gathered for the "50 Years of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC): Strengthening Bio-security for the Global South," Jaishankar firmly reiterated India’s dedication to upholding and modernizing the treaty.
Speaking to a diverse group of experts and representatives hailing from more than 80 nations, the External Affairs Minister stressed that the world has changed significantly since the convention was first established. He argued that it is time for the Global South to stop being passive observers and instead take "ownership" of the narrative, preparing intelligently for future biological challenges.
Modernizing the Guardrails of Science
In his address, Jaishankar pointed out a worrying gap in the current international architecture. He noted that while science is advancing at breakneck speed, the Biological Weapons Convention currently lacks the necessary institutional teeth to keep up. Specifically, he highlighted the absence of a permanent technical body, a rigorous compliance system, or a mechanism to track new scientific developments.
He emphasized that the BWC must serve as a crucial "guardrail." Its purpose is to stand firmly between scientific innovation and the potential for misuse, especially in an era where international security is becoming increasingly unpredictable.
India’s Proactive Stance
Highlighting India's track record, the Minister detailed the country's stringent measures regarding non-proliferation. He spoke about India’s comprehensive control over "dual-use" technologies—items that can be used for both civilian progress and military harm.
Furthermore, he referenced the "Vaccine Maitri" initiative undertaken during the COVID-19 crisis as proof of India's commitment to using biological capabilities for global good. He also outlined a proposed National Implementation Framework designed to oversee high-risk agents and manage dual-use research through continuous training and strict domestic reporting.
The Path Forward
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this two-day conference at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan is a testament to India's strong stance on disarmament. Jaishankar concluded by reminding the delegates that biological threats do not respect national borders. Therefore, international cooperation is not just an option, but a necessity. He urged the Global South to shape the next 50 years of the convention, as these nations have the most to gain from a secure world and the most to contribute toward achieving it.
