Internal Security and Science & Technology
Bioterrorism has emerged as a serious security concern due to rapid technological and geopolitical shifts. Low-cost gene-editing tools, such as CRISPR kits priced under ₹50,000, have made advanced biological manipulation increasingly accessible beyond regulated institutions.
Security risks are deepening as a 2024 UN study reported that over 35 terror-linked groups attempted to acquire biological agents. Weak global surveillance further compounds the threat, with many countries reporting monitoring failures during the 2020–22 pandemic period.
The danger is amplified by the dual-use nature of biotechnology. A significant proportion of high-risk laboratories lack robust oversight, while the fast-expanding synthetic biology market—projected to reach $30–35 billion by 2030—raises concerns of misuse alongside innovation.
APSC Relevance: Internal security, biosecurity governance, emerging non-traditional threats, science–security interface.
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