India-US Collaboration On Synthetic Drugs Is Effectively Disrupting Trafficking

WASHINGTON, DC – New Delhi and Washington are deepening their joint push against synthetic drugs, with officials and analysts pointing to growing cooperation as a key factor in disrupting transnational trafficking networks and curbing the spread of dangerous opioids.

A report released on November 28 highlighted how the India–US counternarcotics partnership has evolved from limited coordination into a sustained security and public health alliance. The two countries have stepped up intelligence-sharing, joint operations, and regulatory collaboration, leading to major seizures, arrests, and the dismantling of trafficking networks.

Central to this effort is the India–US Counternarcotics Working Group, established in 2020 and now preparing for its sixth annual meeting. The group has steadily expanded its agenda, moving beyond enforcement to focus on precursor chemical controls, harm reduction, regulatory integrity, and public health measures. The fifth meeting, held in New Delhi in October 2024, prioritized synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and amphetamine-type stimulants, as well as the chemicals used to produce them.

With India playing a major role in global pharmaceutical production and exports, both nations see coordinated oversight of precursor chemicals as essential for curbing the synthetic drug trade.

During a weekly media briefing on November 26, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underscored the impact of the partnership. He noted that improved information-sharing and joint operations with the United States have already led to significant seizures and the dismantling of major networks. He said both countries intend to strengthen this cooperation further.

Analysts say the growing partnership not only enhances public safety in both nations but could also serve as a model for wider international cooperation against rapidly evolving drug threats.(IANS)