New Delhi and Washington are intensifying their collaboration against synthetic drugs, which is proving effective in disrupting transnational trafficking networks and combating the opioid crisis.
WASHINGTON, DC – The United States and India are deepening their collaborative efforts to combat the growing threat of synthetic drugs. Officials and analysts have identified this increasing cooperation as a crucial element in disrupting transnational trafficking networks and curbing the spread of dangerous opioids.
A report released on November 28 highlights the evolution of the India–US counternarcotics partnership, which has transitioned from limited coordination to a robust security and public health alliance. The two nations have enhanced intelligence-sharing, conducted joint operations, and engaged in regulatory collaboration, resulting in significant drug seizures, arrests, and the dismantling of trafficking networks.
At the heart of this initiative is the India–US Counternarcotics Working Group, established in 2020 and now gearing up for its sixth annual meeting. This group has broadened its agenda over time, shifting focus from mere enforcement to encompass precursor chemical controls, harm reduction strategies, regulatory integrity, and public health measures. The fifth meeting, which took place in New Delhi in October 2024, prioritized the challenges posed by synthetic drugs, including fentanyl and amphetamine-type stimulants, along with the chemicals required for their production.
Given India’s significant role in global pharmaceutical production and exports, both countries recognize the importance of coordinated oversight of precursor chemicals as a vital strategy to curb the synthetic drug trade.
During a media briefing on November 26, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized the positive impact of the partnership. He noted that enhanced information-sharing and joint operations with the United States have already led to substantial seizures and the dismantling of major trafficking networks. Jaiswal expressed the intention of both nations to further strengthen this cooperation.
Experts believe that the expanding partnership not only bolsters public safety in both countries but also has the potential to serve as a model for broader international cooperation against the rapidly evolving threats posed by synthetic drugs.
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