India and US Sign Agreement to Combat Risks of Narcotic Substances

India and the United States have expressed agreement to undertake coordinated action to confront emerging risks of narcotic substances. This significant decision was taken during a high-level meeting recently held in New Delhi. The 'Second India-United States of America Drug Policy Executive Working Group' meeting was organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on November 2 and November 3, 2026. The Federal Anti-Narcotics Agency provided this information via a statement issued on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

The Indian delegation at this meeting was led by NCB Director General (DG) Anurag, while the American side was led by Debbie Seguin, Acting Deputy Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). In accordance with the terms of the India-US Drug Policy Framework, bilateral cooperation in fighting illegal drug trafficking was reviewed during this meeting.

During the meeting, both countries identified several priority areas, focusing on intelligence sharing, coordinated law enforcement action, precursor control, the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain, and reducing the demand for drugs. According to the statement, the meeting emphasised the importance of continuous institutional engagement, timely exchange of intelligence, and coordinated action to eliminate emerging narcotic risks and reduce demand. Both parties agreed to further share best practices in targeted law enforcement subjects.

The DG of NCB highlighted the 'India Vision Roadmap 2026-2029', prepared under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. According to ONDCP Director Sara Carter, the Executive Working Group and the bilateral cooperation between India and the US are extremely vital to dismantle transnational drug trafficking networks and prevent synthetic drugs and chemical precursors from spreading in global markets.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gore stated in the statement, "President Trump was clear: protecting our people begins with securing our borders and cutting off illegal drug networks at their source." He further added that India and the United States are not merely talking about cooperation but are delivering real operational results. This includes stopping illegal precursor chemicals, securing commercial supply chains, and destroying cartels that misuse them. Mr. Gore said that when two law enforcement communities coordinate with such speed and trust, they protect both American and Indian families. According to a report by The Hindu, both countries have strengthened their commitment in the war against the narcotics trade through this meeting.