(a) whether the Government is aware that various countries are developing biological
weapons and their antidotes; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
(a) whether the Government is aware that various countries are developing biological
weapons and their antidotes; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)
(a) & (b) Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling
of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BTWC), 1972 bans
the development, production and stockpiling of biological weapons. 170 countries are states
parties to the Convention. The Convention is yet to achieve universality. While the Convention
bans offensive biological weapons, it allows use of biological agents for prophylactic,
protective or other peaceful purposes. India is a party to BTWC and takes active role in the
implementation of the Convention. We are engaged in the context of the BTWC and in other
relevant forums to ensure that biological weapons are not produced or used anywhere in the world, including by terrorists.