The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) convened a conference in New Delhi that focused on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats and the strategies for enhancing India’s preparedness through collaboration between government and industry. Senior DRDO scientist Upendra Kumar Singh articulated the pressing global security challenges posed by these threats.

Singh, who holds the position of Scientist ‘DG’ in the Soldier Support Systems division of DRDO, emphasised that CBRN threats continue to be a significant area of concern. He reported ongoing extensive measures aimed at effectively addressing these dangers amid a changing geopolitical landscape.

During his address, Singh noted the profound global geopolitical transformations currently underway. He stated, “We are in the midst of a geopolitical churn, with the world passing through a turbulent phase where the old geopolitical order is breaking down and a new order is emerging.”

Military and Economic Power Interconnected in Modern Conflicts

Singh elaborated on how military power, economic influences, and soft power have become increasingly intertwined in global conflicts. He noted that various strategies could be employed to destabilise an adversary, not merely through military means but also via trade, cultural attacks, and resource exploitation. According to Singh, the global dynamic remains unpredictable.

Singh expressed concern about the diminishing efficacy of international institutions amid rising conflict zones. He remarked, “The UN is weakening, and global consensus on conflicts is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve. NATO itself appears to be under strain. Treaties and conventions often exist only in theory, while non-combatants caught in crossfire hold little value for numerous leaders today.”

He further underscored the rarity of true statesmanship at the global level, with basic principles of global governance being jeopardised as conflicts proliferate globally.

Nuclear Hazards and Technological Challenges Explored

Singh highlighted alarming risks associated with nuclear and biological threats, noting potential scenarios wherein states, under severe stress, might lose control of their weapons of mass destruction. He recounted concerns during Operation Sindoor about an attack near a nuclear storage site, emphasising the urgent need for scientific assessment and precautionary measures.

Reflecting on historical incidents, he referenced the catastrophic outcomes of Chernobyl and Fukushima. Singh indicated that while these nuclear accidents caused significant destruction, subsequent studies revealed that various organisms adapted to those environments, raising pivotal questions about resilience and survival.

Additionally, Singh touched upon recent emerging health threats, including the Hantavirus, which was detected on a cruise ship and resulted in three fatalities. He reassured that the virus was not transmissible between humans. However, cases of avian flu, Ebola, dengue fever, and the Zika virus have raised significant alarm across various regions.

Regulatory Frameworks and Dual-Use Technology Monitoring

In his analysis of regulatory frameworks, Singh declared that India is actively overseeing dual-use technologies that could serve both civilian and military purposes. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade is tasked with regulating these items, including through the SCOMET framework that DRDO manages, which assesses whether specific equipment and processes are controlled.

He observed a notable increase in requests related to dual-use items, highlighting growing concerns about potential misuse. Singh remarked on the implications of the digital age, stating that advancements have democratized access to emerging technologies, complicating regulatory efforts.

Singh concluded by asserting that regulations are insufficient to mitigate the dangers posed by CBRN threats in a global context and underscored the necessity for all stakeholders in India and abroad to recognise these threats as critical contemporary security challenges.

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