India and US strengthen partnership to tackle emerging drug trafficking threats
India and the United States have agreed to intensify cooperation against emerging narcotics threats, with a renewed focus on intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement and efforts to reduce drug demand.
The agreement followed the second India-US Drug Policy Executive Working Group meeting, hosted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on November 2 and 3.
The Indian delegation was headed by NCB Director General Anurag, while the American team was led by Debbie Seguin, Acting Deputy Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).
During the high-level discussions, both sides reviewed existing cooperation in tackling illegal drug trafficking and identified key areas requiring greater coordination.
The priorities included strengthening intelligence exchange, improving joint law enforcement operations, monitoring precursor chemicals, safeguarding pharmaceutical supply chains and expanding initiatives aimed at reducing drug consumption.
The meeting was conducted under the framework of the India-US Drug Policy agreement.
In its statement, the NCB highlighted the importance of continued institutional cooperation and timely sharing of intelligence to respond effectively to changing narcotics-related challenges.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated action against international drug networks and to strengthening measures that address drug abuse and demand reduction.