India drug eradication initiatives

The Indian government and regional authorities have initiated coordinated efforts to achieve a drug-free status by 2029.

In Maharashtra, the state cabinet approved a policy utilizing a ‘Whole-of-Government Approach’ involving 20 departments. This strategy focuses on enforcement, supply reduction, demand reduction through awareness, and rehabilitation. Key components include establishing de-addiction facilities at various administrative levels and introducing drug-awareness lessons into school curricula starting in the 2027-28 academic year.

At the national level, Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a roadmap featuring a ‘bottom-to-top’ investigation model to trace narcotics from users to international kingpins. The national strategy includes countering drug deliveries via courier and postal services, utilizing the BHARATPOL platform to connect central and state agencies, and implementing the four-tier NCORD mechanism. The government also highlighted efforts to combat ‘narco-terror’ modules and reported the extradition of 274 individuals involved in narcotics and terrorism from 36 countries since 2019.

During the 28th Western Zonal Council meeting in Goa, Shah reinforced these objectives by unveiling a specific national roadmap for 2026–2029 aimed at eradicating drug trafficking. He compared the mission to eliminate the drug menace to the successful reduction of Naxalism. Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced it will prioritize strengthening coastal security over the next two years.