India has enhanced its international collaboration in combating drug trafficking through agreements with 27 countries, including a significant partnership with the United States, as reported by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai.
NEW DELHI—India is intensifying its efforts to combat drug trafficking through strengthened international cooperation, as highlighted by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai during a session in the Lok Sabha on August 4. The country has established bilateral agreements with 27 nations and signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 19 countries, which notably includes the United States.
In response to inquiries from Shiv Sena MPs Naresh Ganpat Mhaske and Shrikant Shinde, Rai elaborated on the ongoing efforts of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The NCB regularly engages in Director General-level discussions and bilateral talks concerning drug-related issues with several countries, including Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Singapore, and the United States. These dialogues aim to enhance coordination in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
Rai also announced the release of the Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026-2029) on June 26. This document outlines a comprehensive three-year roadmap, establishing clear priorities and time-bound targets for various stakeholders involved in addressing illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse. The approach emphasizes a “Whole-of-Government” and “Whole-of-Society” strategy to effectively tackle these pressing issues.
To further bolster coordination among Central and state drug law enforcement agencies, the NCB has implemented a four-tier Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism. This initiative aims to streamline collaboration and improve the efficiency of drug law enforcement efforts across the country. The NCORD portal has been developed as a centralized platform for sharing information related to drug law enforcement activities.
Additionally, Rai mentioned the establishment of a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), led by NCB Director General Anurag Garg. This committee is tasked with overseeing investigations into significant drug cases, particularly those associated with narco-terrorism, ensuring a focused approach to these critical matters.
In a bid to enhance the effectiveness of financial investigations related to drug trafficking, comprehensive guidelines have been issued. These guidelines are designed to facilitate the systematic identification, tracing, and attachment of proceeds of crime, thereby strengthening the legal framework surrounding drug-related offenses.
As India continues to fortify its international partnerships and enhance its domestic strategies, the collaboration with the United States stands out as a pivotal element in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking. This commitment reflects a broader recognition of the need for coordinated global efforts to address the challenges posed by illicit drugs.
According to IANS, these initiatives underscore India’s proactive stance in combating drug-related issues and fostering international cooperation in this critical area.