<span style="color: #222222;">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said that bioterrorism is a real threat, and asked armed forces medical services to be at the forefront to deal with the menace. He was speaking at the inaugural session of the first Military Medicine Conference of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, SCO, countries in New Delhi. The Minister said newer and non-conventional methods of warfare are some of the challenges. He pointed out that nuclear chemicals and bio warfare further add to this threat. He said medical services of the armed forces are expected to play a role in identifying these challenges. Mr Singh expressed confidence that the sessions dedicated to these subjects in the Conference will be productive. The Minister assured SCO member states that India would continue to contribute positively towards the activities for shared well being of people residing in the region.<br />''</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">AIR correspondent reports that this is the first military cooperation event being hosted by India, after the country joined the SCO in June 2017. The objectives of the conference are to share the best practices and knowledge to overcome common challenges faced by SCO member States. About 27 international and 40 Indian delegates are attending the conference. Deliberations would take place among military medicine experts of SCO member States on rendering military medical support, humanitarian assistance during disasters and measures to improve patient safety.     </span><br />