Biosecurity refers to the set of practices and systems designed to deter the intentional misuse of biological agents, toxins or technologies.

Why India needs Biosecurity?

• Agriculture & Food Security Risk: Dependence on agriculture and livestock makes India vulnerable to agro-terrorism and bio-sabotage.
• Geographical: Porous and maritime borders risk cross-border movement of pathogens and invasive species.
• Non-State Actor Threats: Access to low-cost toxins (like ricin) increase risk of asymmetric biological warfare.
• Biotechnology Proliferation: New-age biotech tools increase the risk of misuse and accidental leaks.
• Public Health: Biosecurity incidents can cripple healthcare systems. E.g. Zoonotic spill-over of diseases

Way Forward:

• Legislative and Regulatory Framework:
  • India needs a dedicated biosecurity law addressing modern threats E.g. dual-use dilemma
  • Global models integrate health, defence, and biotech oversight. E.g. US National Biodefense Strategy, Australia’s Biosecurity Act.
• Nodal biosecurity agency: Streamline Interagency coordination across health, agriculture, and defence ministries.
• Research and Development: Focus on defence-oriented virology, vaccines, and bio-threat mitigation.
• New-age Biodefence technologies: E.g. Microbial forensics, social media surveillance.