This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.

Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.

5 January 2003
The Indian government announces a new nuclear posture that allows India to “retain the option of retaliating with nuclear weapons” in the event of a major biological or chemical attack against India or Indian forces anywhere.
--“India Establishes a Nuclear Command System,” The New York Times, 5 January 2003, <http://www.nytimes.com>.

6 January 2003
In a comment on India’s nuclear posture announcement, Pakistani Foreign Office Spokesman Aziz Khan says, “India’s announcement to use nuclear weapons if attacked with biological or chemical weapons signals an important extension of India’s policy of using nuclear weapons. This is further evidence that nuclear weapons and their use is very much a part of India’s strategic policy.”
--“Operation Against Terrorists Only by Pakistani Forces: FO,” The Pakistan Newswire, 6 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

17 January 2003
During a military parade, India's Mobile Decontamination System is displayed for the first time. The system was developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization to provide defense and protection against biological and chemical attacks. The system is displayed on the Mi-17 IV and MI-35 helicopters. Attending the parade is India's President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
--“Return of Armed Forces in Full Measure,” The Hindu, 27 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 April 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

10 February 2003
Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee says "The international community has to be vigilant against the real possibility of chemical and biological weapons and weapons of mass annihilation falling into the hands of terrorist organizations." Prime Minister Vajpayee makes this statement in an address at the International Youth Conference on Terrorism.
--“Terror Talks: PM Slams 'Double Standards',” Indian Express, Global News Wire, 10 February 2003, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 April 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

19 February 2003
The United States announces sanctions on the Indian company NEC Engineers Private Limited for allegedly contributing to Iraq’s biological and chemical weapons program. American officials say that NEC Engineers’ transfers of biological and chemical materials to Iraq took place “over a period of time,” including but not limited to 2002.
--“US Sanctions Indian Company for Selling Iraq WMD Materials,” Washington Times, 2 February 2003, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

11 March 2003
U.S. State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher says that the United States has applied sanctions on Indian company Protech Consultants Private Limited for "knowingly and materially contributing to Iraq's chemical and biological weapons program." He asserts, however, that these sanctions do not affect U.S.-Indian relations.
--“Sanctions on Indian Company Not to Affect Indo-US Ties,” The Press Trust of India, 12 March 2003, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 April 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

26 March 2003
Mr. K. Sekhar, Director of the Defense Research and Development Establishment of the Indian Ministry of Defense, is quoted in The Hindu newspaper as saying, “In quite a few cases the antidotes to BW (biological warfare) agents are well known, but no nation will sell it to you. If we are to protect our armed forces and our citizens, we have to develop our own medical armor. In fact, we have had to develop our own auto injectors loaded with a variety of antidotes for weapons like nerve gas which are supplied to our troops engaged in decontamination tasks.” The article also states that the Mr. Sekhar's organization has recently perfected possibly the only known prophylactic, code named DRDE-07, for the most common gas warfare chemical, sulphur-mustard.
--“Toxic Technology Challenges and Spin-Offs,” The Hindu, 26 March 2003, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 April 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

11 April 2003
Pakistani Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shaikh Rashid Ahmed states that India is a “fit case” for pre-emptive strikes owing to its possession of chemical weapons. According to Ahmed, “As far as chemical and biological weapons are concerned, it is India that is active in this field. And it has stockpiled these weapons in neighboring countries.” However, Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes and External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha reject Ahmed’s allegations as false.
--“Pakistan Information Minister Reiterates India Fit Case for Preemptive Strikes,” Global News Wire, 12 April 2003, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; “Indian Defense Minister Rejects Pakistan’s Biological, Chemical Weapons Charge,” BBC Monitoring South Asia – Political, 11 April 2003, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; “Pakistani Minister Says India Stockpiles Weapons in Other Countries,” BBC Monitoring South Asia – Political, 22 April 2003, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

12 April 2003
Scientific advisor to the Defense Ministry V.K. Aatre states that India "cannot keep bio-chemical arms". He makes this comment during a lecture at the Indian Institute of Technology in response to a student's question on whether India had chemical weapons.
--“Aatre: Strengthen Bonds Between Industry, Scientific Institutions,” The Times of India, Global News Wire, 12 April 2003, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 April 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

26 June 2003
The Hindustan Times releases a report saying that an Indian parliamentary committee has considered plans to build underground bunkers to protect MPs from nuclear and biological attacks. The plans are believed to be in response to the December 13, 2002 terrorist attacks on the Indian parliament.
--“Indian Parliament May Build Bunkers to Protect MPs From Nuclear Attack,” Agence France Presse, 26 June 2003, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 April 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

11 July 2003
India is named as one of 10 countries affected by the British Foreign Office program, in which post-graduate scholars from these countries are likely to be vetted before being accepted by a university if their research could contribute to the proliferation of chemical or biological weapons. The program is named the "Voluntary Vetting Scheme," and has been in operation since 1994. The other countries on the list are Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Cuba, Libya, and North Korea.
--Suroor, Hasan. “Indian Scholars on U.K.'s Vetting List,” The Hindu, Global News Wire, 11 July 2003, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 April 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

19 September 2003
According to an unnamed senior official at the Indian home ministry, Indian security agencies fear that terrorist outfits operating in India could make use of ricin to launch biological attacks. He states, "Security agencies have been given messages advising them to be on the lookout for terrorists making toxins such as ricin after noticing instructions on how to produce the toxin appeared in materials used to train al-Qaeda terrorists."
--Jayachandran, C.R. “Ricin Terror Over India's Horizon,” The Times of India, Global News Wire, 19 September 2003, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 April 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

23 October 2003
The U.S. Congressional Research Service asserts that there is a danger that India may develop a biological weapons program. In a report, the service claims that "India, a 1973 signatory of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), is believed to have an active biological defense research program as well as the necessary infrastructure to develop a variety of biological agents."
--“India Has 30 to 35 Nuclear Weapons,” The Press Trust of India, 23 October 2003, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 6 April 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

4 January 2004
It is reported that the Union home ministry is in the process of formulating an elite force – comprising for battalions of Central paramilitary forces – to take on biological, chemical, and radioactive attacks. A senior Indian home ministry official explains, “Not only have the experts and institute which will train these personnel been identified, a basic structure, training manual and syllabi have also been prepared. To get matters started, these paramilitary forces will be sent to the United States, United Kingdom, and Israel to receive world-class training. Indian defense expert Brahma Chellaney also discusses military training for biological terrorism attacks, saying “More than counter-measures, it is important to ward off such attacks totally. As India is a soft target for terrorists, it needs an elite force. Not only does this translate into a relief force, but it also ensures decontamination after such attacks have struck.”
--Sharma, Jyoti. “An Anti-WMD Force to Reckon With,” The Economic Times of India, Global News Wire, 4 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 April 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

12 February 2004
The Hindustan Times releases a report outlining an Indian army program to build hundreds of underground decontamination bunkers near the Pakistan border and distribute nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare gear to troops. Army Brigadier G.R.C. Rajan explains, “In the event of an attack, solders can pass through the shelter for decontamination.”
--“Indian Commanders to Get Nuclear Fallout Shelters Near Pakistan Border,” Associated Press, 12 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 April 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

24 March 2004
The Asian Age releases a report outlining Indian and U.S. plans to work together on a project to develop vaccines to counter biological and chemical warfare. Indian research chief V.K. Aatre explains that India’s Defense Research and Development Organization will collaborate on this and other military science programs with U.S. laboratories to be chosen by Washington.
--“US, India to Work on Gadgets for ‘Futuristic’ Soldiers: Report,” Agence France Presse, 24 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 April 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

8 August 2004
Indian Home Minister Shivraj Patil says that India’s response to biological, chemical, and other unconventional forms of terrorism is being formulated by scientists and experts from within and outside the country. He states that in the future “the area of terrorist activities may increase. Individuals may use weapons, individuals may use biological weapons, chemical weapons, and radiological weapons.”
--“India’s Response to Non-Conventional Terror Being Formulated,” The Press Trust of India, 8 August 2004, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 April 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

7 October 2004
U.S. chief weapons inspector in Iraq Mr. Charles Duelfer testifies before the U.S. Congress that India may have sold Saddam Hussein dual-purpose equipment that could be converted for production of unconventional weapons. He also names Turkey and Italy as possible suppliers.
--“India Could be Among Saddam Suppliers: USA,” The Statesman, Global News Wire, 8 October 2004, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 April 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

8 November 2004
India and the European Union sign a document on a “strategic partnership”, including measures to enhance nonproliferation and disarmament. A draft statement reads, “In recognition of the shared concerns of the international community regarding the danger posed by the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, including acquisition by non-state actors, we resolve to enhance collective action to fight proliferation of WMD as well as means of delivery.”
--“India, EU to Set Up Dialogue Mechanism on Disarmament,” Indo-Asian News Service, 8 November 2004, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 April 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

29 November 2004
Indian Minister of Defense Pranab Mukherjee explains during a military seminar that the government has decided to raise more units of special forces with skills to counter proliferation. He says, “And the plans entail totally reorganizing them from a mandate vis-à-vis unconventional warfare, counterproliferation, special reconnaissance, psychological operations and other specialized tasks. The reorientation has to be undertaken as emerging international threats point towards possibilities of nuclear and biological weapons falling into terrorist hands.”
--“India to Upgrade Nuclear Deterrence, Special Forces: Defense Minister,” Agence France Presse, 29 November 2004, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 April 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

3 December 2004
Indian Defense Research and Development Establishment (DRDE) director K. Shekhar describes his organization’s efforts to fight dengue fever in India. In a press conference, he explains that DRDE scientists have successfully used “chemical C21 Hydrocarbon” to kill dengue spreading mosquitos, and a “diethyl phenyl acetamide” insect repellant for Indian troops in dengue and malaria-ridden areas.
--“Defense Scientists Join Fight Against Dengue,” Indo-Asian News Service, 3 December 2004, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 April 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

22 December 2004
In a lecture entitled “New Dimensions of Terrorism”, Indian Home Minister Shivraj Patil cautions against the possible use of biological and chemical weapons by terrorists. He says that advanced technologies falling into wrong hands may lead to the spread of terrorism to the oceans and to outer space. He gives this lecture to the Indian Intelligence Bureau.
--“Home Minister Calls for Co-Coordinated Efforts to Fight Terrorism,” The Hindustan Times, 22 December 2004, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 April 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>

10 February 2005
The Federation of Asian Biotech Association (FABA) is formed with India as one of the eight founding members. FABA’s aims are to promote biotechnology as a profession and the interaction of academia and industry in the field; to act as a facilitator between industry and government; to encourage investment and cross-border trade in biotechnology; and to sponsor international meetings of scientists.
--“About Us,” Federation of Asian Biotech Association website,
<http://www.biofaba.org>.

1 May 2005
The Indian Minstry of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology releases a draft version of a National Biotechnology Development Strategy and welcomes comments from the public for up to six weeks after the release date. Notable propositions from the strategy include: increasing human resources in biotechnology by improving quality of biotechnology-related education at the undergraduate and graduate level; improving physical and bureaucratic infrastructure necessary for biotechnology research and development; promoting biotechnology industry and trade; and establishing a regulatory body, the National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority for clearing biotech products and establishing a policy framework for controversial research (e.g. stem cells).
--“National Monitor in Biotech Draft,” Indian Express, 1 May 2005; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 May 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; “National Biotechnology Development Strategy (Draft),” Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, 31 March 2005, <http://dbtindia.nic.in>.

13 May 2005
On 13 May 2005, India's upper house of parliament passes legislation banning the proliferation of nuclear, biological, chemical, and missile technology. The Weapons of Mass Destruction and Their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Bill is passed by the lower house of parliament on 12 May 2005 and will become law as soon as it is signed by Indian President Abdul Kalam. The bill states that a person caught engaging in commerce in these technologies could face five years to a life in prison as well as a fine. The legislation covers Indians in India and abroad and foreigners residing in India.
--“India's Upper House Approves Nuclear Bill," Agence France Presse, 13 May 2005; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 May 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

20 May 2005
The Institute of Peace & Conflict Studies in New Delhi publishes an article titled “Looking Beyond Bio-Weapons and Bio-Terrorism in South Asia,” which suggests that South Asian terrorists groups are less likely to attempt the procurement and use of biological weapons than groups based elsewhere, despite biological materials being “easier to procure” in the region. This is attributed to the strategy of targeting mainly state officials and property and avoiding mass-casualty attacks that could diminish the popular support on which the groups rely. However, groups fighting for religious reasons may be likely to use bioweapons due to their internal motivation. Also raised is the possibility of “biocrime,” attacks with biological materials perpetrated by the criminal underground, presumably motivated by the desire for profit rather than by politics or ideology
--“Looking Beyond Bio-Weapons and Bio-Terrorism in South Asia,” Institute of Peace & Conflict Studies, 20 May 2005, <http://www.ipcs.org>.

27 October 2005
Panacea Biotech Ltd., the second-largest vaccine manufacturer in India, is reported to be developing a recombinant anthrax vaccine.
--“Firms on the Move: Panacea Biotec (Panacea is Developing a Recombinant Anthrax Vaccine, a Hib Conjugate Vaccine and a Vaccine for Encephalitis),” India Business Insight, 27 October 2005, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 29 November 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

13 November 2005
F.U. Ahmed, the Director of the North East Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), states that zoonotic diseases have a potential ‘used as a biological weapon by terrorists in the north-eastern region' of India with “devastating” impacts on the population and the economy. He was speaking at a national symposium on "newer strategies for the diagnosis and control of zoonoses" put on by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
--“Terrorists can use biological weapon in NE,” Hindustan Times, 13 November 2005, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 November 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

16 December 2005
Indian researchers at the Center for Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi report that they have developed transgenic crops expressing an antigen similar to protective antigen (PA), one of the toxins produced by Bacillus anthracis after infection. Such crops “may serve as a source of an edible vaccine against anthrax.”
--“Anthrax Vaccines Development; New data illuminates research in anthrax vaccines development,” Bioterrorism Week, 19 December 2005, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 December 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

19-20 April 2006
The India-US Joint Working Group on Counterterrorism meets in Washington DC to discuss US-India cooperation in a number of common concern including bioterrorism.
--“Joint United States-India Statement on the India-US Joint Working Group on Counterterrorism,” US Department of State Press Release, 21 April 2006,
<http://www.state.gov>.

31 August 2006
An Indian company, B V Biologicals, issues a press release reporting its plans to construct a Biosafety Level 3 containment facility for developing and testing vaccines for foot-and-mouth disease. The company also notes in the release that the facility could potentially be used to contain any kind of infectious agent that threatens the country, such as anthrax or SARS. The company’s stated aim, according to the CEO of its parent company, Venkateshwara Hatcheries Group, is to “explore the challenges posed by bioterrorism and other emerging infectious diseases in the country.”
--“Biocontainment plant set up,” The Press Trust of India, 31 August 2006, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 1 September 2006, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

1 September 2006
India is reported to be setting up a national level institute on disaster management, including response to nuclear, chemical, and biological disasters. The institute, to be located at Latur, will train about 2,000 people a year, mainly first responders.
--“Institute to Tackle Nuke, Biological & Chemical Threats,” The Statesman, 1 September 2006, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 September 2006, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

27 September 2006
Aethlon Medical, an American company, reports the results of its clinical trial of its Hemopurifier device conducted at the Appollo Hospital in Delhi, India. The Hemopurifier is a “broad-spectrum treatment countermeasure against drug and vaccine resistant bioweapons, naturally evolving pandemic threats such as H5N1 Avian Flu, and chronic infectious disease targets, including Hepatitis-C (HCV) and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)” and works by filtering out viruses directly from the bloodstream.
--“Aethlon Medical Reports on Landmark Human Study,” Business Wire, 27 September 2006, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 September 2006, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

8 January 2007
Rajiv Venkayya, Special Assistant to the [U.S.] President for Bio-defense, White House Homeland Security Council, explains at an information session hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) that “given the advancements in the field of biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry in India, the country has potential for developing a system to counter any future pandemic and bio-terrorist attacks." Venkayya also stated that the United States was eager to collaborate with India in developing response capabilities to bioterrorist attacks.
--“U.S. looks up to India for developing bio-terrorism response,” The Press Trust of India, 8 January 2007, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 January 2007, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

23 February 2007
U.S. and Indian officials are reported to be working together to ensure Indian export control laws are in line with international guidelines during a meeting of the bilateral High-Technology Cooperation Group (HTCG) in Washington. U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration Chris Padilla is quoted as stating that Indian officials agree with his assessment that “Indian export controls comply with a majority of items controlled under the Australia Group for chemical and biological weapons purposes.”
--“U.S., India Working To Agree On India's Export Control Gaps,” Inside US Trade, 2 March 2007, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 March 2007, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

28 February 2007
The Indo-U.S. joint working group on counterterrorism meets to discuss cooperation in a number of areas including bioterrorism and weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
--“Joint Statement on Indo-U.S. Counterterrorism, Joint Working Group Meeting,” Press Release: Embassy of the United States in New Dehli, 28 February 2007, <http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov>.

28 March 2007
The Indian National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) approves a model of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for preventing and responding to a bioterrorism attack. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be in charge of coordinating command, control and preparedness measures as well as post-attack response mechanisms, but primary responsibility for responding to attacks will lie with State governments. The model will first be implemented in the capital city of New Delhi, and subsequently expand to other cities.
--“Norms to Tackle Bioterror Mooted,” Financial Express, 28 March 2007, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 March 2007, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

20 April 2007
Panacea Biotech Ltd., the second-largest vaccine manufacturer in India, reports completion of the first two phases of trials for its recombinant anthrax vaccine.
--“Panacea Biotech Developing Vaccines for Dengue (Also Completes The First Two Phases Of Trials for its Recombinant Anthrax Vaccine),” India Business Insight, 20 April 2007, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 April 2007, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

28 May 2007
The Russian Federal Customs Service temporarily suspends the export of all human medical biological materials as a result of a report produced by the Federal Security Service (FSB) on bioterrorism. The FSB report allegedly claims that a number of foreign organizations are engaged in research to develop ethnically specific biological weapons including the Indian Genome Institute. Materials are sent from Russia to the India to verify diagnoses, to identify bone marrow donors, or to be used in research for new drugs.
--The CBW Conventions Bulletin, No. 76+77 (October 2007), p. 39.

20-24 August 2007
An Indian delegation of six attends the Biological Weapons Convention Meeting of Experts in Geneva, Switzerland.
--List of Participants BWC/MSP/2007/MX/INF 3, 24 August 2007, p. 12, <http://www.opbw.org>.

20-22 September 2007
Speaking at the annual conference of the Indian Association of Biomedical Scientists the Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO)Chief Controller for Research and Design, Dr. W. Selvamurthy says that India’s armed forces have placed orders worth over 20 billion rupees ($500 million) for specialist equipment to prepare the country against attacks by chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. The equipment, which is to be produced in India, includes protective clothing, detection systems, shelters and drugs. Selvamurthy notes that “[t]hese products are being produced by thirty DRDO and ordnance factories and would be supplied within a period of one year,”
--The CBW Conventions Bulletin, No. 78 (February 2008), p. 36.

26 October 2007
The Defence Research & Development Establishment (DRDE), in Gwalior, India issues a request for tenders to supply a “Speed Vacuum Concentrator Cum Freeze Drying System” that will be used for the “concentration and drying of highly sensitive samples of DNA, RNA, proteins along with other biological and non-biological samples.”
--Invitation For Tender/Quotation For Import, Ref No. 03/07-08/15/MB, Speed Vacuum Concentrator Cum Freeze Drying System, 26 October 2007, <http://www.drdo.org>.

10-14 December 2007
An Indian delegation attends the fourth Meeting of the States Parties to the BWC in Geneva, Switzerland.
--List of Participants BWC/MSP/2007/INF.1, 14 December 2007, p. 13, <http://www.opbw.org>.

	Updated April 2008