New York, Sept 25: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s crucial role in combating the illicit production and trafficking of synthetic drugs during the Summit for the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats held in New York on Tuesday.
As co-chair of Working Group 1, Jaishankar addressed the challenges India faces from the connections between terrorist groups, drug trafficking, and cross-border smuggling. “India’s involvement in this coalition reflects our proactive approach,” he said, noting that drug proceeds often fund terrorism.
India has established a regulatory framework for 27 precursor chemicals and signed 45 bilateral agreements to enhance its efforts against drug-related issues. Jaishankar highlighted the growing partnership with the United States, particularly following the recent completion of a bilateral Drug Framework and Memorandum of Understanding in Wilmington. He remarked, “The deepening relationship between India and the U.S. should be acknowledged,” referencing the four meetings of the Counter Narcotics Working Group as a key step forward.
He urged for increased operational cooperation, intelligence sharing, and law enforcement collaboration among nations to effectively address the challenges posed by synthetic drug trafficking.
Jaishankar’s comments were made alongside U.S. President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the summit, which took place during the 79th United Nations General Assembly.
After the summit, Jaishankar held discussions with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on various cooperation topics, including the situations in Ukraine and West Asia. He also met with Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda and EU Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra to enhance diplomatic ties.
