CBRN weapons falling into hands of 'non-state actors' feared

There has been a steady rise in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) weapons in various countries, and it is possible that some of them may pass on to "irresponsible non-state actors", a senior defence official said today.

Addressing a gathering at a workshop in New Delhi on medical management of CBRN casualties, Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra pitched for all stake-holders in this domain to work together on "efficient and actionable plans" for the future.

"The present international security environment has seen a steady rise in CBRN weapons in various countries, and it is possible that some of them may pass on to irresponsible non-state actors," he said.

The three-day workshop for medical officers, inaugurated at the DRDO Bhawan today, has been organised by HQ Integrated Defence Staff (Medical) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

Officers from the military and the paramilitary forces and experts from related domains, such as the National Disaster Response Force, from various parts of India have converged in the national capital to exchange ideas on the critical subject.

Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence are protective measures taken in situations in which CBRN warfare - including terrorism - hazards may be present.

At a workshop on CBRN defence technologies in January, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat had said: "The threat of the use of CBRN weapons is indeed becoming a reality, particularly as a threat from non-state actors."
Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, former chief of staff, Eastern Naval Command, said there was a need to "come out of the secrecy (between defence and civilian side on talking about the issue) and teach people the implications, if any such situation occurs."