Washington and India have launched a new joint mechanism aimed at strengthening cooperation against drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. Officials say this initiative seeks to enhance security and safeguard societies in both countries.
A White House statement said the first meeting of the US-India Drug Policy Executive Working Group was held in Washington from January 20 to 21. The session was inaugurated by Sarah Carter, Director of the US Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), who highlighted the shared commitment of President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen security collaboration and eliminate drug-related terrorism.
Sarah Carter emphasised that the drug crisis has become a major national security concern. She noted that the new working group will leverage the partnership between the two nations to protect families while supporting legitimate industries.
India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, stated that India prioritises preventing threats arising from drug trafficking. This includes efforts to stop the diversion of precursor chemicals used in the illegal manufacture of narcotics. He added that India is working to balance strong law enforcement with facilitating lawful trade, including legitimate pharmaceutical activities.
The working group is co-led by Acting ONDCP Deputy Director Debi Seguin from the US side and Deputy Director General Monica Ashish Batra from India’s Narcotics Control Bureau. Officials from both countries stressed that the group will focus on concrete, measurable outcomes to advance cooperation against drug abuse.
Both governments agreed to intensify joint efforts to end the production and trafficking of illicit drugs and related chemicals, recognising these activities as threats to their societies. They underlined the need for collaboration across all government levels and improved coordination among various agencies.
Officials also highlighted the importance of securing the pharmaceutical supply chain. They stressed that measures to prevent chemical diversion must comply with national laws and avoid harming legitimate industries.
The meeting built on recent joint operations targeting drug trafficking networks. US and Indian officials described these discussions as a reflection of their longstanding and shared commitment to addressing the global drug problem.
This new working group represents a broader effort to promote security and public health in both countries. The initiative comes at a time when governments worldwide face growing challenges from synthetic drugs and chemical abuse. In recent years, US-India security cooperation has expanded to include counterterrorism and law enforcement coordination.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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