Mr Chair,

India has proactively taken several steps to support research and development activities in the area of biotechnology without compromising biosafety and biosecurity aspects. Biosafety issues, with regard to research and development activities, are covered under regulations and guidelines for recombinant DNA research and biocontainment issued under the national legislation. The guidelines elaborate on the processes to be followed while handling, receiving and transferring the pathogens and using recombinant DNA technology for the purpose of research and development and thereby ensuring responsible conduct of biological research activities.

Mr Chair,

Further to facilitate development of vaccines and diagnostics for COVID-19, several guidelines were issued, including a rapid response regulatory framework for COVID-19 vaccine development, guidance document on laboratory biosafety to handle COVID-19 specimens, guidelines for establishment of containment facilities, like a BSL2 and BSL3 and certification of BSL3 facilities. Further, SOPs for exchange of infectious bio- samples, bio-specimens from biorepository were also issued.

Mr. Chair,

Creating awareness on biosafety and biosecurity issues is very important. Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, has initiated fortnightly online interactive sessions for scientists and biologists for creating awareness on biosafety and bio-securities and these sessions were attended by researchers affiliated to more than four hundred scientific establishments, including industries, public funded science institutions and universities.

I thank you, Mr. Chair.