India advocated for the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), stating that it is critical to ensure its full implementation in letter and spirit. India took note of UN Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu’s remarks regarding biological activities in Ukraine, stating that “India views the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) as a critical global and non-discriminatory disarmament treaty prohibiting an entire category of weapons of mass destruction.”
R Ravindra, Deputy Permanent Representative at the United Nations Security Council briefing, stated, “It is critical to ensure that the BTWC is implemented completely and effectively in both letter and spirit. Additionally, we believe that any matter relating to the BTWC’s obligations should be addressed in accordance with the Convention’s provisions and through consultations and cooperation between the parties concerned.”
India expressed concern about the current situation in Ukraine but added that it welcomed the latest round of diplomatic talks between Russia and Ukraine.
“As previously stated, India remains gravely concerned about the deteriorating situation in Ukraine. We applaud the Russian Federation’s latest round of diplomatic talks with Ukraine “According to the Indian diplomat.
India emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy
India emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. “We believe that an immediate cessation of hostilities and a diligent pursuit of the path of dialogue and diplomacy is the only way forward,” India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti, stated.
“We must approach this engagement with an eye toward upholding the UN Charter’s principles, international law, and States’ sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he added. On February 24, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine in response to calls from the Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics for protection against intensifying Ukrainian troop attacks.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the special operation targeted only Ukrainian military infrastructure and posed no threat to the civilian population. Moscow has stated repeatedly that it has no intention of occupying Ukraine. Numerous sanctions have been imposed on Russia by Western nations.
Earlier this month, the Russian Defense Ministry released new findings based on an analysis of documents obtained from Ukrainian laboratory experts. Igor Kirillov, the Russian armed forces’ chief of radiation, chemical, and biological defense, stated that the Pentagon established a network of over 30 biological laboratories on Ukrainian soil.
According to Kirillov, the US withdrew all research materials from Ukraine following the start of Russia’s special military operation. Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said Moscow may establish a consultation mechanism under the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) to address Washington’s non-compliance with the treaty.
However, a US Defense Department official denied the allegations, stating that the US is not assisting Ukraine with biological weapons in its war with Russia and that there is no evidence that Ukraine is using biological weapons.