Marking a new chapter in counter-narcotics diplomacy, India and the US hosted the inaugural Drug Policy Executive Working Group meeting in Washington from January 20-22, 2026. Priorities included synthetic opioids, novel precursors, and digital misuse, with both sides vowing seamless teamwork.
Official announcements from India’s External Affairs Ministry celebrated the productive talks, which stressed enforcement efficacy alongside trade facilitation. Vinay Mohan Kwatra, India’s top envoy, opened with insights into evolving bilateral anti-drug progress.
Sessions dissected smuggling hazards and chemical diversions, pushing for agile, joint responses. Embassy reports spotlighted Kwatra’s session with Sarah Carter of the US Drug office, advocating precision strikes via enhanced coordination.
The event gained momentum from the NCB’s landmark takedown of a global drug empire last summer. What began as a routine check in central Delhi unveiled operations across 10+ nations on four continents, powered by crypto, dark web tools, and drop-shipping schemes.
Home Minister Shah hailed the agencies’ disruption of cartel innovations like anonymous payments. US counterparts in India acknowledged the life-saving impacts of such partnerships.
Looking ahead, the working group lays groundwork for sustained momentum, fostering intel fusion, capacity building, and high-impact interventions to safeguard public health from narcotics’ grip.