EAM Jaishankar Highlights Biosecurity Gaps, Calls for Stronger Global South Role at BWC Conference

  • Dec. 1, 2025, 11:04 p.m.

At the International Conference on “50 Years of BWC: Strengthening Biosecurity for the Global South” in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar underlined the urgent need to bridge critical gaps in biosecurity across developing nations.

He noted that many countries in the region continue to face fragile healthcare systems, weak surveillance, limited laboratory infrastructure, slow emergency responses, and unequal access to vaccines and medicines. These challenges, he stressed, are not merely developmental concerns but pose significant global risks.

“If biosecurity is uneven, so is global safety. The Global South is the most vulnerable and has the most to gain from stronger biosecurity. It also has the most to contribute,” Dr. Jaishankar said.

Emphasizing the importance of inclusive global decision-making, he asserted that the voice of the Global South must shape the next 50 years of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).

Dr. Jaishankar highlighted India’s steadfast commitment to the full and effective implementation of the BWC. Over the past two decades, India has developed strong capacities in public health, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biosciences, earning recognition as the “pharmacy of the world.”

Reaffirming India’s role as a responsible global partner, he added:

“India is committed to ensuring the nonproliferation of sensitive and dual-use goods and technologies, and we have a well-established record in that regard.”

The conference brought together experts, policymakers, and global representatives to discuss strengthening biosecurity frameworks and fostering cooperation to address emerging biological risks.

Author : Rajdhani Delhi Representative

Rajdhani delhi representative

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