India and the United States have reached a mutual understanding to forge a robust bilateral Drug Policy Framework for the 21st Century. This significant development emerged from the fourth annual meeting of the US-India Counternarcotics Working Group (CNWG) in Washington. Under the leadership of Dr. Rahul Gupta, the focus was on three key pillars, primarily emphasizing counter-narcotics efforts to disrupt illicit drug traffickers and producers' networks.

"The second one is to work on drug demand reduction and harm reduction. That includes looking at not only how we help people who are suffering from addiction but prevent addiction in the first place, and at the same time work on things like workforce shortages," said Dr Gupta who is the first physician to serve in the role. The India delegation was led by Director-General of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Satya Narayan Pradhan.

As per Dr. Gupta, the third pillar primarily involves securing a robust pharmaceutical supply chain and fostering a thriving pharmaceutical industry.

"When we do all of these pillars, it creates the framework for the 21st century between the two countries that poses and postures the two nations as global leaders in this area. It is really important because at a time when both in the United States, where 100,000 Americans are perishing a year, but also this disease and this issue is not something that has not affected India either, it is important that the two countries work not only for the betterment of both nations but also for the global benefit," Dr Gupta said.

During the two-day meeting, President Biden and Prime Minister Modi's delegations discussed their commitment to develop an enhanced bilateral Drug Policy Framework for the 21st Century.

During the two-day meeting, President Biden and Prime Minister Modi's delegations reaffirmed their commitment to enhance cooperation against illicit drug manufacturing and trafficking, including synthetic drugs like fentanyl. US co-leads included Kemp Chester, Lisa Johnson, and Jennifer Hodge, while the Indian delegation, led by NCB DG Pradhan, included Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan and Joint Secretary Shri Prakash.

"The leaders committed to strengthening our bilateral drug policy relationship, one that goes beyond just counternarcotics to one with a more forward-looking and affirmative vision - and we are working to deliver on that commitment. Together, we will prevent and treat addiction, disrupt the global trafficking of illicit drugs, and create safe, healthy, and prosperous communities for both nations," Gupta said in the White House statement.

He stated that India has become a member of the Global Coalition Against Synthetic Drugs, which comprises over 80 nations and 11 international organizations.

"We really appreciate India's leadership as well in becoming that global leader, not only for becoming the pharmacy of the world, but also in terms of disrupting illicit trafficking of drugs and production and making sure that we're all working together when it comes to diseases like addiction to address it and preventive," Dr Gupta told PTI.

In response to a question, Dr. Gupta mentioned that due to the rising demand for pharmaceutical products from China, there has been a concurrent increase in the illicit chemical industry in the country.

"And because today it's the major producer of these precursor chemicals that contribute to the production of fentanyl, production of other illicit synthetic drugs, we want to, all of us, it's in our interest to not repeat that mistake. India has an interest in making sure that diversion control happens and it has a thriving pharmaceutical industry that it obviously is competing with and the Americans are able to take benefit out of that as India is obviously having a pharmaceutical supply for so many other countries. But part of that is working with agencies like the FDA, like DEA and others to ensure that that integrity is there," he said.

Dr. Gupta described Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to the US as historic, emphasizing that the discussions and agreements covered a wide range of sectors, including defense, technology, people-to-people exchanges, and health. He expressed optimism, stating, "We are making substantial progress in advancing these areas."

"I think this visit was not only significant, but it will be remembered as one that was historic in nature and really turned the page in terms of having both countries work at a level unprecedented in history," he added.

Dr. Gupta stated that Indian Americans have been affected by the drug issue in the US. Recently, Vice President Kamala Harris held a round table with state attorneys general and met with parents who lost their youth to overdose, including an Indian American, showing her close concern for the matter.

Furthermore, Dr. Gupta emphasized the importance of addressing the public health crisis of drug addiction, which affects people regardless of their background. He stressed the need for open conversations with children, recognizing early signs of trouble, and providing support. Alongside Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, they recently published an op-ed in USA Today highlighting the significance of mental health, addiction, and social isolation among youth and offering guidance for families to help tackle these issues.

Image source: ET