BIMSTEC: Conference on Combating Drug Trafficking inaugurated

On February 13, 2020, Union Minister Amit Shah launched the BIMSTEC Conference on Combating Drug Trafficking in New Delhi. The event was organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau. The Conference was attended by other BIMSTEC partners Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, Nepal, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

Highlights

The main objective of the conference is to control the illicit drug trading plaguing Bay of Bengal states. India has taken lead in organizing the conference.

Significance

The Conference is important because India is currently focusing on Act East Policy and Neighbourhood Policy. The BIMSTEC platform acts as a platform for India to achieve its objectives.

Also, there is need for such conferences and multilateral initiatives as drug trafficking globally has reached 400 billion USD. In the last 10 years, drug addiction has increased by 30%.

India’s Measures

In order to control drug trafficking in the country, India has adopted Zero Tolerance Policy. India has also taken steps at international level. For instance, India is a member of INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization).

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2020