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US-India Launch Drug Policy Group to Combat Narcotics and Secure Trade

The United States and India held the first meeting of their Drug Policy Executive Working Group in Washington. The dialogue emphasized a shared commitment to combating global narcotics trafficking and the diversion of precursor chemicals. Officials from both nations stressed the need to balance enforcement with facilitating legitimate trade and securing pharmaceutical supply chains. The group aims to deliver tangible outcomes to disrupt illicit networks linked to organized crime and terrorism.

Key Points: US-India Drug Policy Group Meets to Fight Narcotics Trafficking

  • Inaugural US-India drug policy meeting held
  • Focus on narcotics trafficking and precursor chemicals
  • Aims to secure pharmaceutical supply chain
  • Commitment to dismantle illicit drug networks
2 min read

India, US discuss global narcotics trafficking challenge, facilitation of legitimate trade

US and India hold inaugural Drug Policy Executive Working Group meeting to combat global narcotics, secure supply chains, and dismantle trafficking networks.

"The drug crisis is now a core national security priority. - Sara Carter"

New Delhi, Jan 28

The United States hosted the inaugural meeting of the US-India Drug Policy Executive Working Group in Washington, underscoring the enduring and shared commitment to addressing the global drug challenge and fostering a safer and healthier future for both nations, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Wednesday.

According to the MEA, the inaugural meeting held from January 20-21 was opened by Sara Carter, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in the US, emphasising President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mutual commitment to enhancing security cooperation and eradicating narco-terrorism.

"The drug crisis is now a core national security priority. This Executive Working Group leverages the bilateral partnership to protect families while also supporting legitimate industries," said Carter.

Ambassador Vinay Kwatra, Indian Ambassador to the US, stated, "India accorded the highest priority to addressing the threat posed by narcotics trafficking and the diversion of precursor chemicals, while also balancing effective enforcement with facilitation of legitimate trade."

The Executive Working Group, led by ONDCP's Acting Deputy Director, Debbie Seguin, and the Deputy Director General of India's Narcotics Control Bureau, Monika Ashish Batra, worked with the US and Indian delegations, respectively, to deliver "tangible, measurable outcomes in advancing the critical counter-narcotics partnership".

The MEA said that India and the US are committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation to "dismantle the illegal production and trafficking of illicit drugs and their precursor chemicals that threaten our communities".

"They emphasised the importance of a whole-of-government approach that streamlines interagency and intergovernmental efforts and secures the pharmaceutical supply chain, consistent with respective national rules and regulations, while also building upon the success of recent joint operations to disrupt illicit narcotic trafficking networks," the MEA mentioned.

The US-India security cooperation has expanded in recent years, covering areas such as counterterrorism and law enforcement coordination.

Counter-narcotics efforts have become an increasingly important part of that partnership, especially as drug trafficking networks operate across borders and link to organised crime and terrorism.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good move, but I hope "facilitation of legitimate trade" doesn't become a loophole. We've seen how some pharmaceutical chemicals get diverted. Enforcement needs to be strict and transparent.
R
Rohit P
Finally! This has been needed for years. The drug problem is ruining our youth in Punjab, Delhi, and other states. Hope this leads to concrete action on the ground and not just meetings in Washington.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in public health, I'm glad to see a "healthier future" mentioned. The focus shouldn't just be on enforcement but also on rehabilitation and reducing demand. A balanced approach is key.
V
Vikram M
Strong India-US ties are always welcome. Our NCB officers do commendable work under tough conditions. With better tech and intelligence from the US, they can be even more effective. Respect to them.
K
Karthik V
I appreciate the initiative, but let's be real. The problem often starts at our own borders. We need to clean up internal corruption in some agencies first for any international cooperation to be truly successful. Just my two cents.

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