In a landmark development, the United States convened the first-ever US-India Drug Policy Executive Working Group in Washington from January 20-21. India’s Foreign Ministry announced the event, focusing on strategies to address transnational drug challenges and foster secure futures through unwavering bilateral pledges.
The meeting kicked off with remarks from ONDCP Director Sarah Carter, who invoked the anti-narco-terrorism commitments of Presidents Trump and PM Modi. ‘The drug crisis demands urgent national security focus,’ Carter declared, positioning the group as a vital platform for family protection and industry support.
Ambassador Vinay Kwatra represented India, reiterating priorities on curbing narcotics smuggling and chemical misuse while harmonizing enforcement with lawful commerce. Co-chaired by ONDCP’s Debbie Seguin and NCB’s Monika Ashish Batra, the delegations achieved tangible progress in counter-narcotics synergy.
Key discussions revolved around integrated governmental strategies to enhance inter-agency coordination, safeguard drug supply chains, and replicate successes from recent collaborative busts on illicit networks. This builds on deepening US-India security bonds, including counter-terrorism and law enforcement, where anti-drug efforts play a crucial role amid borderless trafficking operations.
As drug threats evolve, this executive forum sets the stage for ongoing, impactful cooperation, potentially reshaping regional and global responses to one of humanity’s most pressing public health battles.