US Designates India, China, Pakistan as Major Drug Transit Countries
U.S. President Donald Trump has identified India among 23 nations listed as major illicit drug producing or transit countries in a presidential determination sent to Congress. The list also includes China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The State Department statement noted that a country's presence on the list does not necessarily reflect its government's counter-narcotics efforts but is based on a combination of geographic, commercial, and economic factors that facilitate drug trafficking, which threatens U.S. safety.
Unpacked:
India’s inclusion is based on geographic, commercial, and economic factors that facilitate drug trafficking, not necessarily on its government’s counter-narcotics efforts. Its location near major drug-producing regions and commercial hubs makes it vulnerable as a transit point for illegal drugs.
India has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs, strengthened enforcement, and increased seizures and arrests. Agencies like the Narcotics Control Bureau coordinate crackdowns, and strict laws like the NDPS Act impose severe penalties. Efforts also focus on awareness and dismantling financial networks of traffickers.
Large quantities of cannabis, opioids, synthetic drugs (like methamphetamine and MDMA), cocaine, and pharmaceutical psychotropics are seized. In 2024, law enforcement seized drugs worth about ₹25,330 crore, with a significant increase in synthetic drugs and cocaine seizures compared to previous years.
Being listed may prompt enhanced international cooperation, information sharing, and joint operations between India and the U.S. It can also affect bilateral relations and encourage India to further strengthen its anti-narcotics measures to address concerns raised by the U.S.