India at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has advocated the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) saying that it is important to ensure its implementation in letter and spirit.
About Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC):
Under the terms of the Convention, the States Parties undertake not to develop, produce, stockpile, or acquire biological agents or toxins “of types and in quantities that have no justification for prophylactic, protective, and other peaceful purposes,” as well as weapons and means of delivery designed to use such agents or toxins for hostile purposes or in armed conflict.
Opened for signature in 1972 and entered into force in 1975, the BWC is the premier international forum that addresses biological threats, and is evolving to meet changing world needs. Accordingly, the BWC charges members of the security, health, scientific, law enforcement and business fields to better address biological threats, whether intentional, accidental or natural.
Bioweapons continue to remain a risk because new discoveries and technologies are evolving in unpredictable ways and will continue to become globally available.
Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) as a key global and non-discriminatory disarmament Convention, prohibiting an entire category of weapons of mass destruction.
BTWC is a disarmament treaty that effectively bans biological and toxin weapons.
India’s Stand:
India’s Deputy Permanent Representative R Ravindra at the UNSC briefing said it is important to ensure full and effective implementation of the BTWC in letter and spirit. He said, we also believe that any matter relating to obligations under the BTWC should be addressed as per the provisions of the Convention and through consultations and cooperation between the parties concerned.
Meanwhile, expressing concern over the ongoing situation in Ukraine, India welcomed the latest round of diplomatic talks between Russia and Ukraine.
India believe that an immediate cessation of hostilities and diligent pursuance of a path of dialogue and diplomacy are the only ways forward.
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