To counter biological threats, proper training need of the hour: Rajnath Singh
New Delhi, Sep 21: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the country's armed forces must be properly trained and equipped to combat chemical-biological threats as early detection was a prerequisite for successful protection and decontamination.
Addressing scientists at a Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE) function here, Singh said the country's forces are deployed in many regions where adversaries may use such weapons.
"Use of chemical-biological weapons may jeopardise life, health, property and commerce in a way that it may take a long time to recover. Our forces must be properly trained and equipped to operate effectively and decisively in the face of chemical-biological attacks," he said.
Early detection of chemical-biological agents is the prerequisite for successful protection and decontamination, he added.
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Lauding the defence organisation for 45 years of glorious service, Singh said, "I am pleased to know that DRDE has developed several technologies for detection, protection and decontamination of toxic agents."
"I was impressed that DRDE has been recognised as the only national laboratory by Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) as part of an international network of designated laboratories for verification of environmental and bio-medical samples," Singh said.
This allows DRDE to undertake forensic and off-site investigations of the use of chemical warfare agents and their victims, he informed.
Dressed in G-suit, Rajnath Singh flies in home-grown fighter jet Tejas aircraft
"This
provides
India
with
an
edge
at
the
international
level
and
opportunity
to
play
a
decisive
role
in
proving
compliance
of
international
treaty
in
case
of
any
eventuality,"
Singh
added.
He
said
the
DRDE
must
also
focus
on
facilitating
the
industrial
base
to
meet
the
substantial
requirement
of
materials
and
equipment
as
chemical-bio
agents
have
a
high
impact
on
human
health
and
psychology
and
are
highly
resource-intensive.
The defence minister said while the armed forces play an important role in securing the nation, scientists working in defence organisations were in an equally important role in strengthening the country's security.