New biotechnologies heighten risks of misuse of biological agents, spurring calls for stronger biosecurity in India. The country's geography and large population expose it to cross-border bio-threats. While frameworks exist, they require unification and updates to address emerging dangers.
Biosecurity encompasses practices and systems designed to prevent the intentional misuse of biological agents, toxins, or technologies. It includes safeguarding labs handling dangerous pathogens and detecting intentional outbreaks. The concept extends beyond human health to agricultural and animal sectors. Biosecurity differs from biosafety, which focuses on preventing accidental pathogen releases.
The Biological Weapons Convention emerged in 1975 following instances of bioweapons development. As the first treaty to ban the use and development of biological weapons of mass destruction, it required signatories to destroy existing stockpiles. Over decades, bioweapon use has remained limited.
India's geography and ecology render it vulnerable to cross-border bio-risks. Its agricultural dependence and vast population amplify these threats. While no confirmed biosecurity attack has occurred, reports highlight alleged preparations of ricin toxin—from castor oil—for potential terror use. This illustrates non-state actors' interest in biological tools.
The Department of Biotechnology oversees research governance and lab safety. The National Centre for Disease Control handles outbreak surveillance and response. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying monitors livestock biosecurity. Key laws include the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986, regulating hazardous microorganisms and GMOs, and the 2005 Weapons of Mass Destruction Act, criminalizing biological weapons. Biosafety Rules date to 1989, with 2017 guidelines for recombinant DNA research.
India participates in the Biological Weapons Convention and Australia Group. Despite multiple agencies addressing bio-risks, a unified national biosecurity framework is still developing. Policies must update to match emerging biothreats. India ranks 66th on the Global Health Security Index, with improved detection scores but declining response capabilities.
The U.S. National Biodefense Strategy (2022-2028) integrates health, defense, and biotech oversight. The EU's Health Security Framework (2022) and China's Biosecurity Law (2021) treat biotechnology as national security. Australia's 2015 Act and the UK's 2023 strategy emphasize unified approaches. Inadequate biosecurity endangers billions. A coordinated national framework could identify gaps and adopt technologies like microbial forensics.
Shambhavi Naik is chairperson of the Takshashila Institution’s Health & Life Sciences Policy.