India and Weapons of Mass Destruction - Biological Warfare

Biological Warfare

India has a well-developed biotechnology infrastructure that includes numerous pharmaceutical production facilities bio-containment laboratories (including BSL-3 and BSL-4) for working with lethal pathogens. It also has highly qualified scientists with expertise in infectious diseases. Some of India’s facilities are being used to support research and development for BW defense purposes. India has ratified the BWC and pledges to abide by its obligations. There is no clear evidence, circumstantial or otherwise, that directly points toward an offensive BW program. New Delhi does possess the scientific capability and infrastructure to launch an offensive BW program, but has chosen not to do so. In terms of delivery, India also possesses the capability to produce aerosols and has numerous potential delivery systems ranging from crop dusters to sophisticated ballistic missiles.

No information exists in the public domain suggesting interest by the Indian government in delivery of biological agents by these or any other means. To reiterate the latter point, in October 2002, Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam asserted that "we will not make biological weapons. It is cruel to human beings..."

  • Agni-III ballistic missile

  • Brahmos, Indo-Russian cruise missile

  • Popeye, Indo-Israeli air to ground missile

  • Shaurya ballistic missile

  • Soviet-built Charlie I class cruise missile submarine INS Chakra of the Indian Navy

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