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.

17 January 2001
Indian Chief of Army Staff General Sunderajan Padmanabhan states that India will emphasize upgrading its equipment such as main battle tanks and armored personnel carriers to provide protection from a nuclear, biological or chemical attack.
--Rahul Bedi, "Gen Sunderjajan Padmanabhan India's Chief of Army Staff," Jane's, 17 January 2001, <http://www.janes.com>.

18-19 January 2001
In an inaugural address to a two-day seminar on nuclear, biological, and chemical defense in Lonavala, Indian Vice-Admiral Harinder Singh calls for "urgent steps to meet the asymmetric threats in the form of chemical and biological weapons emerging from the low-intensity proxy wars." Another speaker, Indian Vice-Admiral A.S. Krishnan, states that CBW appears to be gaining a slow but steady foothold in the form of use of chemical and biological agents against military and civilian groups. In addition, Krishnan states that a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) defense doctrine has been drafted along with the creation of joint services institute for NBC warfare that has been proposed at the College of Military Engineering in Pune.
--The CBW Conventions Bulletin, No. 51 (March 2001), p. 44; Lonavia V. Radhika, "Armed Forces to Formulate Defense Against Nuclear Attacks," Indiainfo.com, 19 January 2001, <http://news.indiainfo.com>.

31 January 2001
Sarita Prasad is appointed Chairperson of the National Authority for the Chemical Weapons Convention.
--"India: N.K. Singh appointed OSD in PMO," The Hindu, 31 January 2001.

February 2001
An assessment by the German Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND) states that the company NEC has acted as a buyer of equipment for the al-Mamoun chemical factory in Iraq. The report also states Indian companies are involved with 80 chemical projects, with 20 of those suspected of being used for chemical weapons production.
--Johannes Leithaeuser, "Saddam Expands Weapons Programs, Report says," Allgemeine in English, 24 February 2001, in FBIS Document EUP20010224000093; Georg Mascolo, "Big Plans and Shoddy Businesses," Der Spiegel in German, 26 February 2001, FBIS Document EUP20010226000071; Roger Boyes, "Iraq Builds Chemical Weapons System 'Capable of Hitting European Cities'," The Times (UK), 26 February 2001.

10 April 2001
In meetings between External Affairs and Defense Minister Jaswant Singh and visiting US officials, India states that it believes that chemical and biological weapon present a greater danger than nuclear weapons. India believes that these weapons are more dangerous because of the ease of which they can be procured by international terrorist groups.
--The CBW Conventions Bulletin, No. 52 (June 2001), p. 53.

5-10 May 2001
India conducts "Operation Complete Victory" in the Pokharen desert. The exercise involves military maneuvers, and for the first time India incorporates chemical, nuclear, and biological weapons into the scenario. The exercise also tests new equipment such as protective gear, decontamination routines, and electronic warfare systems for battle in a contaminated area.
--The CBW Conventions Bulletin, No. 53 (September 2001), p. 26; Anders Axelsson, Pal Jonson, Anders Lindblad, Lena Norlander, Anders Norqvist, Wilhelm Unge, and Lars Wigg, "Indian and Pakistani Weapons of Mass Destruction in a Security Policy Context: A Comprehensive Analysis of Capabilities, Objectives, and Consequences," Swedish Defense Research Agency, March 2002; "India's 'War Hysteria' Threatens Regional Peace," Khabrain in Urdu, 12 May 2001, available from FBIS, document identification number SAP20010515000028.

July 2001
At the Indo-Russian Joint Council for ILTP in Moscow, India and Russia both identify 146 new joint research and development projects. These projects will cover field like biotechnology, immunology, bio-medical sciences, and chemical sciences.
--Anders Axelsson, Pal Jonson, Anders Lindblad, Lena Norlander, Anders Norqvist, Wilhelm Unge, and Lars Wigg, "Indian and Pakistani Weapons of Mass Destruction in a Security Policy Context: A Comprehensive Analysis of Capabilities, Objectives, and Consequences," Swedish Defense Research Agency, March 2002.

August 2001
OPCW inspectors declare the complete destruction of one declared Category 2 CW agent in India.
--Opening Statement by the Director-General to the Executive Council at its twenty-seventh session, 4 December 2001.

5 September 2001
India and the United Kingdom participate in the third round of talks of the India-U.K. Formalized Dialogue on Non-proliferation and Disarmament in London. The two sides discuss the chemical and biological conventions, as well as export controls.
--"Indian and UK officials Hold Non-Proliferation Talks," IRNA, 5 September 2001,<http://www.irna.com>.

October 2001
Indian intelligence reports that it had intercepted a Lashkar-e-Toiba communication that indicates the (terrorist) group has smuggled a large amount of lethal gas into India.
--"Security Agencies Alerted on Lethal Gas," The Times of India, 15 October 2001.

10 October 2001
The Indian Government asks Hindustan Fluorocarbons Ltd to adopt the recommended procedure for disposal of Perfluro Isobutylene, a Schedule 2 toxic chemical, per the Chemical Weapons Convention.
--"India: Bid to go by Treaty on Chemical Arms," Business Line, 17 October 2001.

18 October 2001
The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals de-licenses 19 of the 22 chemicals that had been kept under compulsory license. The remaining three are hydrocyanic acid and it derivatives; phosgene and its derivatives, and Isocyanates and Diisocyanates.
--"New Goal & New Initiative," Press Information Bureau, Government of India, 18 October 2001, <http://pib.nic.in>.

24 October 2001
The Indian Defense Research and Development Establishment is asked to conduct training programs on all aspects of biological and chemical warfare for civilian authorities.
--P. Sunderarajan, "India: Training to Tackle Biological Warfare," The Hindu, 25 October 2001.

26 November 2001
Addressing Senior Commanders of the Armed Forces, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee states that the Defense Research and Development Organization is "often hamstrung by unreasonable and discriminatory technology control regimes."
--"Prime Minister Addresses Combined Commanders Conference," Press Information Bureau, Government of India, India, issued 26 November 2001.

4 December 2001
In a statement to the Executive Council of the OPCW, the General Secretary states that India has destroyed 29 percent of its Category 1 CW agents and over 39 percent of one declared Category 2 CW agent.
--Opening Statement by the Director-General to the Executive Council at its twenty-seventh session, 4 December 2001.

30 December 2001
India completes destruction of its declared Category 3 chemical weapons.
--WGRC-1/s: Annex 2, p. 29.

3 January 2002
Rajeev Pandia, President of the Indian Chemical Manufacturers Association, states that Indian chemical industry with its proven research and development can lend itself as a major outsourcing zone for the global chemical manufacturers.
--"Chemicals Sector Set For Outsourcing: Pandia," The Times of India, 4 January 2002, <http://www.timesofIndia.com>.

1 March 2002
India signs a deal with Polish SKO-1T Drawa-T Thermal Imaging Fire-Control Systems to update 250 of its T-72 tanks. The deal will allow India to update its tanks nuclear, biological, and chemical defense systems.
--Grzegorz Holdanowicz and Rahul Bedi, "India Signs T-72 Upgrade Deal," Jane's, 20 March 2002, <http://www.janes.com>.

23 May 2002
Integrated Field Shelter is developed. The shelter is designed to provide collective personnel protection from nuclear, chemical, or biological agents. The shelter was developed by the Research and Development Engineers, Pune, which is part of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and is designed to accommodate thirty people for 95 hours.
--"Integrated Field Shelter for Protection from Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Agents Developed by DRDO," Ministry of Defense Press Release, 23 May 2002, <http://mod.nic.in>.

7 June 2002
Dr. A.K. Walia, New Delhi's health minister is quoted as saying that the capital is ready for all levels of attack, including a biological or nuclear attack. He also says that some hospital workers have received special training in how to respond to a chemical attack and that India had ordered three mobile hazardous chemical units from Germany.
--Edna Fernandes, "India Prepares For The Prospect of Nuclear War; Civil Defense Mass Production Ordered of Shelters Able to Withstand Nuclear Attack; A National Contingency Plan For The Masses Has Been Put on Standby in Recent Days," Financial Times, 7 June 2002, p. 12.

19 June 2002
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) laboratories in Gwalior and Ahmednagar develop a nuclear, chemical, and biological decontamination system.
--"NBC Decontamination System Developed," Press Information Bureau, Government of India of Indian Press Release, 19 June 2002, <http://pib.nic.in>.

21 June 2002
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) laboratory, Gwalior, develops First Aid Kits for nuclear, biological and chemical warfare. The kits are split into two groups-Type A and Type B. Type A provides support for four to six personnel, while Types B is for 50-60 personnel. Type A kits contain an inhaler, antibiotics, antipyretic tablets, dressing pads, personal decontamination kit, and three-color detector paper,. Type B kits contain essentials medicines, drugs, injectibles, syringes, dressing materials, detector paper, and a water testing kit. Both kits are already entered into service.
--"First Aid Kit to Treat NBC Injuries Developed," Press Information Bureau, Government of India of Indian Press Release, 21 June 2002, <http://pib.nic.in>.

4 July 2002
Shri Tapan Sikdar takes over as the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers
--"Tapan Sikdar Takes Over as Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers," Press Information Bureau, Government of India, 4 July 2002, <http://pib.nic.in>.

11 July 2002
India's military scientists say that they have developed safeguards against chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons. They assert that they did not violate any international conventions during their experiments. They state that they also have developed 26 items that allow them to detect and respond to a chemical or nuclear attack.
--Pratap Chakvarty, "India Readies Nuclear Shelters, Trains Military Against First Strike," Agence France Presse, 11 July 2002, International News.

26 August 2002
India's Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) releases a report outlining its ongoing investigation of five subsidiaries of the Indian company NEC Engineers Private Limited for allegedly supplying technology and equipment to Iraq for its missile and chemical weapons programs. According to the DRI, NEC Engineers "actively assisted" Iraq in setting up a chlorine plant in Fallujah by exporting sensitive membranes and centrifugal pumps. India's external intelligence agency, Research & Analysis Wing (RAW), and appropriate U.S. agencies are also involved in the investigation.
--"Indian Firms Probed for Alleged Weapons Technology Sales to Iraq: Report," Agence France Presse, 26 August 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com; Shishir Gupta, "Arms Control: the Indian Connection," India Today, 14 October 2002, http://www.india-today.com.

6 September 2002
The Indian government defends its position to embargo certain chemicals to Iraq before the Delhi High Court, claiming the order was issued following intelligence reports that the Indian company NEC Engineers Private Limited might be actively assisting in Iraq's chemical weapons program. Indian government representatives Additional Solicitor General K.K. Sud and Jayant Bhushan tell the court, "This is a very serious matter which will harm India's interest and have international ramification. There are intelligence reports that these chemicals may be used to developing chemical weapons in Iraq." Senior advocate R K Anand, appearing for NEC Engineers, said the company was only an exporter buying the chemicals for use in manufacturing paints.
--"HC-Iraq," Press Trust of India, 6 September 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

24 September 2002
British Prime Minister Tony Blair singles out the Indian company NEC Engineers Private Limited for "illicitly" helping Iraq in expanding its missile and chemical weapons arsenal. The Indian government, in response, finds Mr. Blair's "selective reference" to the Indian company "unfortunate" but it also accuses NEC Engineers of exporting sensitive equipment to Iraq.
--Shishir Gupta, "Arms Control: the Indian Connection," India Today, 14 October 2002, http://www.india-today.com.

27 October 2002
In a public address, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee expresses concerns that chemical and biological weapons are difficult to detect; and that such weapons could fall into the hands of non-state actors.
--"Goals, Not Dates, First: PM," Indian Express, 27 October 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

26 August 2002
India's Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) releases a report outlining its ongoing investigation of five subsidiaries of the Indian company NEC Engineers Private Limited for allegedly supplying technology and equipment to Iraq for its missile and chemical weapons programs. According to the DRI, NEC Engineers "actively assisted" Iraq in setting up a chlorine plant in Fallujah by exporting sensitive membranes and centrifugal pumps. India's external intelligence agency, Research & Analysis Wing (RAW), and appropriate U.S. agencies are also involved in the investigation.
--"Indian Firms Probed for Alleged Weapons Technology Sales to Iraq: Report," Agence France Presse, 26 August 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; Shishir Gupta, "Arms Control: the Indian Connection," India Today, 14 October 2002, <http://www.india-today.com>.

6 September 2002
The Indian government defends its position to embargo certain chemicals to Iraq before the Delhi High Court, claiming the order was issued following intelligence reports that the Indian company NEC Engineers Private Limited might be actively assisting in Iraq's chemical weapons program. Indian government representatives Additional Solicitor General K.K. Sud and Jayant Bhushan tell the court, "This is a very serious matter which will harm India's interest and have international ramification. There are intelligence reports that these chemicals may be used to developing chemical weapons in Iraq." Senior advocate R K Anand, appearing for NEC Engineers, said the company was only an exporter buying the chemicals for use in manufacturing paints.
--"HC-Iraq," Press Trust of India, 6 September 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

24 September 2002
British Prime Minister Tony Blair singles out the Indian company NEC Engineers Private Limited for "illicitly" helping Iraq in expanding its missile and chemical weapons arsenal. The Indian government, in response, finds Mr. Blair's "selective reference" to the Indian company "unfortunate" but it also accuses NEC Engineers of exporting sensitive equipment to Iraq.
--Shishir Gupta, "Arms Control: the Indian Connection," India Today, 14 October 2002, http://www.india-today.com.

27 October 2002
In a public address, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee expresses concerns that chemical and biological weapons are difficult to detect; and that such weapons could fall into the hands of non-state actors.
--"Goals, Not Dates, First: PM," Indian Express, 27 October 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

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>.

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," The Washington Times, 2 February 2003; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

26 March 2003
An article in The Hindu newspaper, Mr. K. Sekhar, the director of the Defense Research and Development Establishment of the Indian Ministry of Defense, is quoted as saying, "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 Defence 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.

22 April 2003
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Director General Rogelio Pfirter states that India is on target to meet the deadline for destroying some of its chemical weapons. He says that by 29 April 2003, India, the United States, and Russia, "will have destroyed the percentage of munitions and chemical agents that they have committed themselves to reduce under the (1993 chemical weapons) convention."
--Watchdog: US, Russia, India On Track to Reduce Chemical Weapons Stockpiles," Agence France Presse, 22 April 2003; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

23 April 2003
The United Jihad Council accuses India of using "chemical weapons" against militants in "held Kashmir." The Council says in a statement, "India is using chemical weapons against the Mujahideen in sheer violation of all those international laws and principles whose implementation has been declared obligatory by the United Nations.
--"Pakistan: India Warned of `Serious Repercussions' Against Use of Poisonous Gasses," Global News Wire, 24 April 2003; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

25 April 2003
Pakistan alleges to the United States that India is using chemical weapons in Kashmir and asks that the United States intervene in the matter.
--"Pakistan: Daily Expects Armitage's Visit to Prove Breakthrough on Kashmir, Other Issues," Global News Wire, 25 April 2003; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

30 April 2003
The Indian Army's Public Relations Officer Lt.-Colonel S.P.K. Singh alleges that foreign mercenaries in the Jammu and Kashmir region have chemical weapons. He describes how Indian Army intelligence intercepted radio transmissions between guerillas reportedly instructing fighters to "look towards their containers" in the case of heavy losses to Indian federal forces.
--"J&K Ultras Have Chemical Arms," The Statesman, 1 May 2003; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

3 May 2003
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal announces the seizure of lethal chemicals and some arms from two nearby militant training centers. The seizure comes in the aftermath of the arrest of six Students Islamic Movement of India activists with links to Lashker-e-Toiba and to Pakistan. Mr. Bhujbal claims that the seized materials include one kilogram of potassium cyanide, bottles of sulphuric acid, ammonium nitrate, nitric acid, as well as firearms.
--"India: Policy Seize `Lethal Chemicals' Linked to Militant Groups," BBC Monitoring South Asia - Political, 3 May 2003; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com.

6 August 2003
The Indian government decides to allow the duty-free import of equipment and samples by an inspection team from the Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The action is viewed by India's chemical industry as a prelude to surprise inspections by the OPCW of companies and plants which produce dual-use chemicals and chemical weapons precursors.
--Minocha, Naresh. "India to Permit Int'l Chemical Weapons Inspections," Chemical News & Intelligence, 6 August 2003; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

13 August 2003
Indian Vice-Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Shantonu Chowdhury announces, "We have radio intercepts that indicate terrorists could be making attempts to use chemicals and explosives" in the Jammu and Kashmir regions.
--"Army Official Notes Terrorists Plan to Use Chemical Weapons in Kashmir," Global News Wire, 14 August 2003; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

11 February 2004
The Indian National Authority on Chemical Weapons conducts a chemical weapons awareness drive in the state of Gujarat. More than 50 percent of India's discrete organic chemical units are located in Gujarat, and many local manufacturers are unaware that the chemicals they produce are precursors to weapons-grade agents used in the creation of chemical weapons.
--"Weapons Grade Chemicals Made in Gujarat Factories (Over 50% of India's Discrete Organic Chemicals Unit are Located in Gujarat)," Business Insight, 11 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

1 June 2004
Delhi Police conduct a mock exercise to combat chemical warfare. The Central Industrial Security Force, the Indo Tibetan Border Police, and the Delhi Fire Service also participate in the exercise. A senior police officer describes the exercise as "based on the threat perception that an attack with chemical weapons can take place in the city."
--"Police Gear up for the next crime: chemical warfare," Times of India, 3 June 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

10 July 2004
The government of India restructures the position of National Security Advisor (NSA) so that the NSA, Mr. J.N. Dixit, can monitor all matters relating to the National Authority for the Chemical Weapons Convention.
--"J.N. Dixit Emerges A Key Player," The Hindu, 10 July 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

4 August 2004
The Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) proposes to set up a chemical weapons testing facility. According to IICT's director, Dr. J.S. Yadav, the Institute will approach the Ministry of Defence for funding. IICT will likely be the first Indian institute to receive the accreditation necessary to test chemical weapons, having crossed two stages of a three-stage test for certification with the Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The accreditation will authorize IICT to test domestic as well as foreign chemical samples.
--"IICT Plans Chemical Weapons Testing Lab," Business Line, 4 August 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, http://www.lexis-nexis.com; "IICT All Set to Get Accreditation for Testing Chemical Weapons (Will Authorize Indian Institute of Chemical Technology to Test Domestic Chemical Samples)," Business Insight, 4 August 2004;in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

November 2004
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) releases a report on the Bhopal disaster, 20 years after the accident. According to the ICMR report, an array of 21 chemical compounds - including about 10 unidentified ones - were found in the residue in the Union Carbide tank from which toxic fumes leaked. ICMR toxicological studies chief Dr. S. Sriramachari explains that some of these toxins, such as hydrogen cyanide, were also present in the blood and viscera of the dead as well as that of survivors.
--Dinesh C. Sharma, "US Sees Defense Lesson in Bhopal Tragedy," Hindustan Times, 29 November 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

29 November 2004
Twenty years after the Bhopal, India gas disaster, American scientists prepare to recreate the accident under controlled conditions in the Nevada, U.S. desert. Emory University (Atlanta) professor Dr. V Ramana Dhara suggests that the experiment will provide valuable information on chemical emergency preparedness. Scientists with expertise in chemical engineering, toxicology, environmental health, exposure assessment, atmospheric sciences, ethics, and emergency preparedness will be involved in the unique project.
--Dinesh C. Sharma, "US Sees Defense Lesson in Bhopal Tragedy," Hindustan Times, 29 November 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 February 2005, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

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>.

23 December 2005
The U.S. State Department announces the imposition of sanctions on two Indian chemicals companies for exports to Iran. The State Department states that the exported chemicals may be of assistance to alleged Iranian CW activities. The companies are Sabero Organic Chemicals Gujarat Ltd. and Sandhya Organic Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. The State Department does not specify the chemicals or the quantities transferred.
--Susan Krause, U.S. Sanctions Nine Companies Under Iran Nonproliferation Act, Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State, 28 December 2005, http://usinfo.state.gov; Sharon Squassoni, India and Iran: WMD Proliferation Activities, CRS Report CRS-2006-FDT-1575, 8 November 2006, p. 5.

29 December 2005
Responding to the decision of the US government to impose sanctions against it for exports of chemicals to Iran that might be of assistance to an alleged CW program Sandhya Organic Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. provides additional information on the activities that may have triggered the US government’s actions. Sandhya states that “[w]e had exported approximately 1.5 M[etric] T[ons of] POCl3 [Phosphorus oxychloride] to Iran and we have taken all necessary documentary permission [sic.] to export the item as per the CWC convention.” The company denies any wrong-doing. The chemical in question is restricted under Schedule 3B of the Chemical Weapons Convention. As such it is recognized as a chemical manufactured and used in large quantities for legitimate industrial purposes that may also be of use in the production of chemical weapons. The US objection to the sale of this chemical relates to its potential role as a precursor for the production of Tabun (GA). Legitimate uses of POCl3 include the production of insecticides, flame retardants, hydraulic fluids and semi-conductor silicon. The most likely use for the chemical in Iran would be for the manufacture of gasoline additives. When used in the production of GA the quantity of POCl3 noted above would only be sufficient to produce approximately 1.5 metric tons of agent., a relatively small quantity.
-- “US Sanctions Indian Firms For Chem Sales,” Arms Control Wonk, 29 December 2005, <http://www.armscontrolwonk.com>; “The Chemical and Biological Warfare Threat” prepared by the Nonproliferation Center, Central Intelligence Agency, in Global Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Pt. 1, Hearing before the US Sentate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, S. Hrg. 104-422, 31 October 1995, p. 511.

4 August 2006
The US State Department announces the imposition of sanctions on two Indian chemical manufacturers, Balaji Amines Limited and Prachi Poly Products Limited, are sanctioned for the sale of precursor chemicals to Iran that could have been used in the production of chemical weapons. The Indian companies are included in a group of seven companies, from four countries, penalized by the US government for violating the Iran Nonproliferation Act 2000, the purpose of which is to prevent Iran acquiring weapons of mass destruction.
--The CBW Conventions Bulletin, No. 74 (December 2006), p. 46; Sharon Squassoni, India and Iran: WMD Proliferation Activities, CRS Report CRS-2006-FDT-1575, 8 November 2006, p. 5.

8 December 2006
The Eleventh Session of the OPCW CSP grants a Indian request to extend its final deadline for the destruction of its Category 1 chemical weapon stockpiles to 28 April 2009.
--Decision: Request by India for an Extension of the Final Deadline for Destroying all of its Category 1 Chemical Weapons, C-11/DEC.16, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, 8 December 2006, <http://www.opcw.org>.

26 June 2007
The Director General of the OPCW provides an update on progress in destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles to the OPCW Executive Council in which he notes that as of 1 June 2007 India has destroyed around 80 percent of its Category 1 stockpile. India’s final deadline for the destruction of its Category 1 chemical weapon stockpiles is 28 April 2009.
--Katie Smallwood, “Progress in the Hague,” The CBW Conventions Bulletin, No. 76+77 (October 2007), p. 19.

25 September 2007
The Director General of the OPCW provides an update on progress in destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles to the OPCW Executive Council in which he notes that as of 31 August 2007 India has destroyed around 86 percent of its Category 1 stockpile. India’s final deadline for the destruction of its Category 1 chemical weapon stockpiles is 28 April 2009.
--Katie Smallwood, “Progress in the Hague,” The CBW Conventions Bulletin, No. 76+77 (October 2007), p. 20.

23 December 2007
Sanction imposed by the US government against Sabero Organic Chemicals Gujarat Ltd. and Sandhya Organic Chemicals Pvt. Ltd under the Iran Nonproliferation Act in December 2005 expire. [see entry for 23 December 2005]
--Anya Loukianova “Last Round of INA Nonpro Sanctions to Expire Monday,” Total Wonkerr, <http://totalwonkerr.com/
1673/last-round-of-ina-nonpro-sanctions-to-expire-monday>.

20 January 2008
The Indian government announces that it has succeeded in destroying 93 percent of its Category 1 stockpile. India’s final deadline for the destruction of its Category 1 chemical weapon stockpiles is 28 April 2009.
--“India claims to have destroyed 93 % of its chemical weapons,” Associated Press of Pakistan, 20 January 2008, <http://www.app.com.pk>.

4-7 March 2008
At the 52nd session of the OPCW Executive Council, meeting at OPCW Headquarters in the Hague, India’s representative submits a document entitled “Report on CW Destruction Activities during the Extension Period after 29 April 2007.” This report details progress that India has made in fulfilling its obligations to complete its CW destruction activities by its extended deadline of April 2009.
--“Summary of the Fifty-Second Session of the Executive Council,” Chemical Disarmament Quarterly, p. 5.

9 April 2008
The Indian Permanent Representative, Ambassador Ms. Neelam D. Sabharwal delivers a formal statement at the 2nd CWC Review conference in The Hague. In her speech she announces that India has now completed the destruction of 97 percent of its declared CW stockpile and draws attention to several issues of importance to the Indian government. These include the need for the priority of industry inspections and the verification process more generally to be conducted in accordance with the hierarchy of risks established in the CWC’s Annex on Chemicals. [This longstanding Indian position is in opposition to the efforts of many Western states to push for a realignment of the OPCW’s verification efforts to concentrate great resources on inspections of other chemical production facilities (OCPF) such as those producing discrete organic chemicals using small batch reconfigurable facilities.] The Ambassador also proposes “the creation of a standing committee of governmental experts of States Parties as a permanent mechanism to thoroughly examine the finding reached by [the OPCW Scientific Advisory Board] SAB and prepare recommendations for he policy making organs of the OPCW.” [This proposal is regarded with suspicion in some quarters as it is perceived to be an attempt to interpose a political filter between the SAB and the policy-making organs undermining the role of the SAB in providing independent scientific advice to the OPCW and its member states.]
--Statement by Ambassador Ms. Neelam D. Sabharwal, Permanent Representative of India to the OPCW and Leader of the Indian Delegation to the Second Review Conference April 7-18, 2008, <http://www.opcw.org/docs/csp/rc2/natl_statements/IN.pdf>.

28 July 2008
Sanctions imposed by the US government against Balaji Amines Limited and Prachi Poly Products Limited under the Iran Nonproliferation Act in July 2006 expire. [see entry for 4 August 2006]
--Anya Loukianova “Last Round of INA Nonpro Sanctions to Expire Monday,” Total Wonkerr, <http://totalwonkerr.com/1673/
last-round-of-ina-nonpro-sanctions-to-expire-monday>.

	Updated August 2008