As war rages in Ukraine and allegations of stockpiling of biological weapons there surfaced, India has urged restraint by all sides and strict adherence to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWTC). New Delhi also welcomed the ongoing talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Putting across India’s viewpoint at a special session of the United Nations Security Council(UNSC), Deputy Special Representative to UN R Ravindra called upon nations to ensure the implementation of Biological and Toxin weapons convention.
This caution came in the backdrop of Russia claiming US funding to laboratories in Ukraine for developing biological weapons. The US has all along denied the charge and termed the Russian allegation 'internet-spurred conspiracy theories'.
Presenting his country’s case, Ravindra said on late Friday India attaches high importance to BTWC as a key global and non-discriminatory disarmament convention, prohibiting an entire category of weapons of mass destruction.
He also said "We also believe that any matter relating to obligations under the BTWC should be addressed as per the provisions of the convention and through consultations and cooperation between the parties concerned."
Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention is a disarmament treaty that effectively bans biological and toxin weapons. Earlier, Russia had claimed that the US was funding “military biological activities” in Ukraine. Both the US and Ukrainian governments have denied the same.
India also noted the remarks made by the UN Under-Secretary-General of Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu regarding biological activities relating to Ukraine and said "India attaches high importance to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) as a key global and non-discriminatory disarmament Convention, prohibiting an entire category of weapons of mass destruction."
"As outlined yesterday, India remains deeply concerned at the progressively deteriorating situation in Ukraine. We welcome the latest round of diplomatic talks between the Russian Federation and Ukraine," the Indian diplomat said.
Earlier this month, the Russian Defense Ministry unveiled new findings after analyzing documents obtained from experts from Ukrainian laboratories.
Igor Kirillov, the chief of the Russian armed forces' radiation, chemical, and biological defence, said the Pentagon created a network of over 30 biological laboratories in Ukrainian territory.
According to Kirillov, the United States removed all materials necessary for further research from Ukraine after the beginning of Russia's special military operation. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow may launch a consultation mechanism under the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) to discuss Washington's non-compliance with the document.
However, a US Defense Department official denied the accusations saying the United States is not assisting Ukraine with biological weapons in its war with Russia and there are no indications that biological weapons are being used by Ukraine.
Meanwhile, India also welcomed the fresh round of talks between Russia and Ukraine to reach a solution to end the war.
"We welcome the latest round of diplomatic talks between Russia and Ukraine. We believe that an immediate cessation of hostilities and diligent pursuance of a path of dialogue and diplomacy are the only ways forward," Ravindra said.