India-U.S. Strategic Dialogue on Biosecurity
Abstract
The UPMC Center for Health Security (the Center) proposes a Track II strategic dialogue on biosecurity between the US and India. India is a study in contrasts: it is a fast-growing biotech and pharmaceutical powerhouse with an enviable bioeconomy, but is also vulnerable to emerging biological threats resulting from public health deficiencies and widespread poverty. India faces multiple security risks of concern to the US: the ongoing border conflict with Pakistan poses a nuclear threat, and regional terrorist activity and interest in nuclear and biological weapons poses a national security threat to both India and the US. Past dialogues have focused on the nuclear threat, but given the strategic significance of India to the US, there is value in establishing a biosecurity-specific dialogue.The proposed dialogue will address biosecurity threats to India and the US, such as misuse of biological materials (intentional or accidental), dual-use research, and infectious diseases with pandemic potential. The Center proposes to convene two meetings—one in Washington, DC and one in New Delhi—bringing together influential policymakers, thought-leaders, security experts, scientists and other biosecurity experts to create enduring, productive bilateral relationships and a deeper understanding of each other’s biosecurity concerns and efforts to address them.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 19, 2016
- Source ID
- N002441610025
Entities
People
- Gigi Gronvall
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency