Big Challenge Of Non-Traditional Threats

The Indian state has slowly evolved and is yet imperfect but nonetheless has viable capability to deal with low level casualties that might be caused by either a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear attack or by a non-state actor or an incident caused either by accident or by deliberate action at a nuclear or chemical facility. There are, however, significant deficiencies in its response mechanisms that need urgent attention, writes SANJAY BADRI-MAHARAJ

- Sanjay Badri-Maharaj

India faces not only the risk of traditional nuclear attacks but also from the potential use of nuclear weapons through non-traditional means such as Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) attacks. This is as yet an inadequately explored area of vulnerability which could potentially be devastating. Among the threats that need to be considered include a terrorist strike using a nuclear weapon of lowyield or a so-called “dirty bomb” or even an attack involving either a nuclear or non-nuclear generated electro-magnetic pulse. Another potential method of attack could be the possible sabotage of a nuclear power plant with the potential for radioactive release.

Strictly military or retaliatory measures will not necessarily deter such attacks. In this case, a combination of active measures to detect and prevent such attacks and passive measures to deal with the impact of such attacks may have the best prospects of deterring or at the very least containing such attacks. To this end, it is important to determine how well prepared India is to respond to the impact of such attacks so as to minimise damage. Into this sphere we must assess the civil defence capabilities and emergency response systems of the Indian state.

The types of non-traditional may be broken down as follows:

1) A nuclear or non-nuclear generated electromagnetic pulse aimed at disrupting military and/ or civilian activities, networks, operations and infrastructure;

2) The use of CBRN agents by a nonstate actor aimed at creating either a mass casualty event or significant civilian fear and panic as well as disruption to society; or with the aim to stretching emergency, relief and economic resources with a view towards destabilisation of a state or to divert resources away from any military or diplomatic effort;