Overview of Biosecurity

External Affairs Minister emphasized the need for upgraded biosecurity measures during a conference marking 50 years of the Biological Weapons Convention. Biosecurity involves practices and systems to prevent the misuse of biological agents, extending from laboratory safety to agricultural health. It is distinct from biosafety, which prevents accidental pathogen leakage.

The Biological Weapons Convention

Established in 1975, this treaty prohibits the use and development of biological weapons and mandates the destruction of existing stockpiles. Despite muted use of bioweapons over the decades, the rapid advancement of biotechnologies raises new concerns.

India's Biosecurity Context

• India's geography and heavy reliance on agriculture make it susceptible to bio-risks.
• Although India has not faced direct biosecurity attacks, incidents like the Ricin toxin preparation highlight potential threats.

Current Governance and Frameworks

• Department of Biotechnology: Manages research governance and lab safety.
• National Centre for Disease Control: Oversees outbreak surveillance and response.
• Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying: Monitors livestock biosecurity.
• Plant Quarantine Organisation: Regulates agricultural imports and exports.
• Important laws include the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005.

International and Domestic Collaboration

India is part of international platforms like the Biological Weapons Convention and the Australia Group, yet a cohesive national biosecurity framework is evolving. The need for updated policies to counter new biothreats is crucial, as indicated by India’s rank of 66 on the Global Health Security Index.

Global Biosecurity Strategies

• United States: National Biodefense Strategy integrates health, defense, and biotech oversight.
• European Union: EU Health Security Framework aligns with Horizon Europe’s guidelines.
• China: Biosecurity Law treats biotechnology as a national security issue.
• Australia: Biosecurity Act provides a unified framework across sectors.
• United Kingdom: Biological Security Strategy focuses on biosurveillance and rapid response.

Conclusion

India's current biosecurity apparatus needs enhancement to address emerging biological threats effectively. A national framework coordinating across agencies and adopting new technologies like microbial forensics is essential for preparedness and response.