India and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening their bilateral cooperation in the fight against narcotics. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) hosted the second meeting of the ‘India-US Drug Policy Executive Working Group’ in New Delhi on November 2–3.
Emphasis on enhancing bilateral cooperation, with a focus on synthetic drugs and trafficking networks.
Policymakers and law enforcement officials from both nations participated in the meeting. The Indian delegation was led by NCB Director General Anurag Garg, while the US delegation was headed by Debby Seguin, Acting Deputy Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).
Agreement on intelligence sharing and joint operations.
Under the ‘India-US Drug Policy Framework,’ both sides reviewed existing cooperation to combat the trafficking of illicit narcotics. The meeting prioritised areas such as the exchange of intelligence, joint law enforcement operations, the control of precursor chemicals, the security of pharmaceutical supply chains, and the reduction of demand for narcotic substances.
Referring to the ‘India Vision Roadmap 2026–2029,’ NCB Director General Anurag Garg noted that this roadmap—developed under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Home Minister Amit Shah—emphasises network-based investigations, financial investigations, prevention, and rehabilitation. India is now targeting the entire ecosystem of traffickers, including financiers, suppliers, enablers, and logistics networks.
Statement from the US ‘Drug Czar.’
Sarah Carter, Director of the ONDCP (often referred to as the US ‘Drug Czar’), stated that this Executive Working Group is crucial for dismantling international narcotics networks and preventing synthetic drugs and chemical precursors from reaching global markets. Citing President Trump’s ‘2026 National Drug Control Strategy,’ it was noted that today’s criminal networks operate much like multinational corporations. To counter such an organised adversary, it is essential to work together across borders.
Statement by Ambassador Sergio Gor
U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, stated, “President Trump’s position is clear: the safety of our people begins with securing our borders and rooting out illicit drug networks. India and the U.S. are not just talking; they are delivering concrete results. Cutting off the supply of illicit precursor chemicals, securing commercial supply chains, and dismantling criminal syndicates—all of these are outcomes of our cooperation.”
Discussion on Joint Operations and Future Steps
Both nations built upon the progress made during the initial meeting held in Washington in January 2026. They welcomed initiatives such as ‘Operation MedMax,’ ‘Operation Wipe,’ and India’s voluntary Code of Conduct. The meeting emphasised the importance of institutional engagement, timely intelligence sharing, and coordinated action to address emerging threats. Both sides also agreed to share best practices. This meeting further strengthens the shared commitment of India and the United States to combating illicit drugs, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the safety of communities in both nations.
