WASHINGTON, D.C. — India and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to countering illicit drug trafficking, the diversion of precursor chemicals, and the misuse of digital platforms following the conclusion of the inaugural Drug Policy Executive Working Group meeting held in Washington this week, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
The meeting took place from January 20 to 22 and focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation to address emerging threats posed by synthetic opioids and novel chemical precursors, while balancing enforcement efforts with the facilitation of legitimate trade.
“India and the US held the Inaugural Drug Policy Executive Working Group meeting in Washington DC (20–22 Jan 2026). Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to countering synthetic opioids, novel precursors and misuse of digital platforms, while balancing effective enforcement with facilitation of legitimate trade,” the MEA said in a post.
India’s Ambassador to the U.S., Vinay Mohan Kwatra, delivered opening remarks at the meeting, during which officials from both countries reviewed progress in joint counter-narcotics efforts and discussed avenues for continued cooperation.
“Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra delivered opening remarks at the India-US Drug Policy Framework Executive Group meeting on Counter-narcotics Cooperation along with Ms Sara Carter, Director of Office of President Trump’s Drug Czar,” the Indian Embassy in the U.S. said.
“Discussions reviewed the progress in mutual efforts and continuing cooperation to address the threats of illicit drug trafficking and the diversion of precursor chemicals. Effective, focused enforcement through active bilateral coordination to curb such illicit flows was emphasized,” the embassy added.
The meeting follows recent collaboration between Indian and U.S. authorities in dismantling international drug trafficking networks. In July, the U.S. Embassy in India publicly thanked the Narcotics Control Bureau and Indian authorities for their role in disrupting illegal drug operations linked to the United States.
“Thanks to NCB and Indian authorities for helping protect Americans against illegal drugs and saving American lives!” the U.S. Embassy said in a statement.
The comment came in response to a post by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who congratulated Indian agencies for dismantling a global drug cartel operating across multiple continents.
“Congratulations to NCB and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel. The probe set a stellar example of multi-agency coordination, resulting in 8 arrests and seizures of 5 consignments while triggering crackdowns in the US and Australia against the ring that operates across 4 continents and 10+ nations,” Shah said.
“Our agencies are constantly monitoring the sophisticated modes like crypto payments and anonymous drop shippers used by these gangs. PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji led govt is determined to saw off every drug cartel and protect our youth, no matter where they operate from,” he added.
According to India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, the Narcotics Control Bureau and its headquarters operations unit dismantled a transnational drug trafficking syndicate that relied on encrypted digital platforms, drop-shipping models, and cryptocurrency to smuggle controlled medicines across four continents.
What began as a routine vehicle interception near Bengali Market in New Delhi ultimately exposed a criminal network operating across India, the U.S., Australia, and Europe, spanning more than 10 countries. (Source: IANS)
