India’s Role in Fighting Synthetic Drugs: S Jaishankar Speaks at Global Summit with Joe Biden
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India’s role as co-chair of Working Group 1 in global efforts to combat the illicit manufacture and trafficking of synthetic drugs. He addressed the Summit for the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats in New York.
Jaishankar shared on social media that India has faced significant challenges due to the nexus between terrorist organizations, narco-trafficking, and cross-border rackets. He stated, “India’s role as co-chair of Working Group 1, focused on preventing the illicit manufacture and trafficking of synthetic drugs, showcases our proactive stance. India has long been affected by the nexus between terrorist groups and narco-trafficking. Cross-border rackets smuggle drugs into our territory, with proceeds supporting terrorism.”
To enhance cooperation in combating drug-related issues, India has signed 45 bilateral agreements and established a regulatory framework for 27 precursor chemicals. Jaishankar emphasized the deepening partnership between India and the United States, noting the recent conclusion of the bilateral Drug Framework and Memorandum of Understanding in Wilmington as a significant step.
He called for increased operational cooperation, intelligence sharing, and enhanced law enforcement collaboration among nations to effectively address the synthetic drug trade. Jaishankar was joined by US President Joe Biden and US State Secretary Antony Blinken at the summit, held on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Following his address, Jaishankar held bilateral talks with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, discussing bilateral cooperation, Ukraine, and West Asia. He also met Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda and EU Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra.
Doubts Revealed
Synthetic Drugs -: Synthetic drugs are man-made substances that can be harmful and are often used illegally. They are not naturally found in plants or animals.
S Jaishankar -: S Jaishankar is India’s External Affairs Minister, which means he is responsible for managing India’s relationships with other countries.
Global Summit -: A global summit is a big meeting where leaders from different countries come together to discuss important issues that affect the whole world.
Joe Biden -: Joe Biden is the President of the United States, one of the most powerful countries in the world.
Narco-trafficking -: Narco-trafficking is the illegal trade of drugs. It means selling and moving drugs from one place to another secretly.
Terrorism -: Terrorism is when people use violence to create fear and achieve their goals. It is a big problem in many parts of the world.
International Cooperation -: International cooperation means countries working together to solve problems that affect everyone, like fighting drugs or stopping terrorism.
Bilateral Agreements -: Bilateral agreements are deals made between two countries to work together on certain issues, like trade or security.
EU -: The EU, or European Union, is a group of countries in Europe that work together on many issues, like trade and laws.