IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention                                                                                                            

12th March, 2022 International News

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Context: Russia called for a Security Council meeting on the issue of biological laboratories in Ukraine.

 

India’s stand:

  • India said any matters relating to obligations under the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention should be addressed through consultation and cooperation between the parties concerned.
  • All parties must ensure full and effective implementation of the BTWC in letter and spirit.

 

Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC)

  • It is a disarmament treaty that effectively bans biological and toxin weapons by prohibiting their development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use.
  • Having entered into force on 26 March 1975, the BWC was the first multilateral disarmament treaty to ban the production of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction.
  • The convention is of unlimited duration.
  • Membership: As of January 2022, 183 states have become party to the treaty. India has signed and ratified this treaty.
  • Convention's effectiveness has been limited due to insufficient institutional support and the absence of any formal verification regime to monitor compliance.

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/on-bioweapons-use-in-russia-ukraine-war-indias-strong-stand-at-un-meet-2818227