India to host two-day BRICS anti-drugs meeting

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India will host a two-day meeting of the heads of BRICS drug agencies in Guwahati from Monday (July 6, 2026). Organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the meeting will focus on issues such as the fight against synthetic drugs, strengthening intelligence sharing and operational coordination, and capacity building and institutional cooperation.

“India envisages this meeting as a key step in the transformation of BRICS cooperation from dialogue-oriented cooperation to structured and action-oriented cooperation with a focus on strengthening operational coordination, intelligence sharing, capacity building and collective response to emerging drug-related threats,” the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement.

Highlighting emerging transnational challenges such as the proliferation of synthetic drugs, new psychoactive substances, sanctioned darknet trading and cryptocurrency-based financial flows, the ministry noted: “At the same time, advances in customer technology, data analytics and financial intelligence present significant opportunities for enhanced international cooperation and coordinated enforcement action.

At the meeting, India will showcase its efforts to combat the drug menace. “Over the past few years, India has significantly strengthened its fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse. While the government is taking tough measures against the illicit drug trade and organized crime networks, it is also placing equal emphasis on creating awareness, community involvement and treatment for those affected by addiction,” the ministry said.

In line with its whole-of-government and network-oriented approaches, India recently issued a Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026-2029) to further strengthen institutional capacity in the fight against drugs.

“As Chair, New Delhi will seek to enhance cooperation through information sharing on clandestine laboratories and emerging trends in synthetic drugs, enhanced monitoring of precursor chemicals and drugs, intelligence sharing, sharing of best practices, joint training programs and exchange of experts,” the ministry said.

The meeting culminates in the adoption of a joint statement.

BRICS includes 11 major emerging markets and developing countries in the world: India, China, Brazil, Russia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

Guwahati is hosting the BRICS Leaders’ Anti-Drug Agency Meeting, which brings together member states to strengthen intelligence sharing, coordinate action against transnational drug trafficking and reaffirm their shared commitment to a drug-free future in line with India’s Zero… pic.twitter.com/AFVNAAwxkv

— BRICS 2026 (@BricsIndia2026) July 5, 2026

Published – 05 Jul 2026 21:15 IST