Experts stress faster response, greater coordination to counter CBRN threats

Upendra Kumar Singh, DG, Soldier Support Systems, DRDO, speaks at the seminar organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in New Delhi on Monday

With chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) weapons’ covert use continues in battlefield reflected in the reported recovery of traces of tear gas in frontline areas of Ukraine in 2025, experts have sought a government-industry collaboration for a quick and comprehensive tech-driven response. This is to address such suspected potent threats that have grown beyond traditional applications to include industrial accidents, asymmetric warfare and terrorism, they advocated.

Losing Control

Speaking at a seminar organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), distinguished scientist Upendra Kumar Singh, Director General, Soldier Support Systems (SSS), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), revealed that the stand off between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor could have spiralled into uncontrollable escalation .

Without getting into details, Singh stated, “There is also the possibility of states coming under such immense stress that they may lose control over weapons of mass destruction. During Operation Sindoor, there was concern about an attack near a nuclear storage site near Kirana Hills, which could have escalated beyond control. Scientific communities and departments worked overnight to assess the possible repercussions and likely responses from the other side.”

In that context, the DG referred to Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear disasters and discussed scientific studies on environmental resilience.

Global threats

In his speech covering different global threats, he also stated that India is actively monitoring dual-use technologies to remain vigilant on regulatory frameworks.

“...Through the SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies) framework, DRDO has been entrusted with the responsibility of determining whether specific equipment or processes fall under these controlled categories. We have observed that such requests are increasing significantly in both frequency and volume,” he observed.

Singh also spoke about the growing fusion of military, economic and soft power in global conflicts. Hinting at the international crisis arising from the continued blockade of Strait of Hormuz, he said there are many ways to weaken, incapacitate, and destabilise an opponent, be it through trade, commerce, attacks on culture, identity, and value systems, or even through the exploitation of natural resources. 

“In today’s situation, we cannot separate military power from other soft powers or financial or economic powers... The whole dynamics of the world is extremely unpredictable at this point of time,” Singh said before a gathering of scientists, government officials, academia, and industry representatives.

Addressing the gathering, Roli Singh, Chairperson, National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), stated CBRN threats are no longer theoretical concerns but have emerged as critical and evolving challenges for modern economies like India amid rapid industrialisation, technological advancement, and growing geopolitical uncertainty.

Published on May 18, 2026