Assam CM said the development would bring greater international attention to Assam’s efforts to combat the narcotics trade…reports India Daily News Desk
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday welcomed the inclusion of the Guwahati Declaration in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration, describing it as a significant boost to international cooperation against narcotics trafficking.
The Guwahati Declaration was adopted by the Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies of BRICS member countries at a meeting held earlier in Guwahati. Its subsequent reference in the declaration adopted at the BRICS summit has given the initiative wider international recognition.
Sarma said the development would bring greater international attention to Assam’s efforts to combat the narcotics trade and highlighted the state’s strategic importance in tackling drug trafficking.
“From our position in Northeast India, we are strengthening our role in building a safer and more secure region,” the Chief Minister said.
He said Assam’s geographical location places it along a critical trafficking corridor in the Northeast, making it an important frontline in efforts to disrupt networks involved in the movement of narcotics.
According to Sarma, the state’s role extends beyond enforcement within Assam, with intelligence-sharing, coordinated operations and stronger mechanisms needed to counter organised drug trafficking networks.
The Chief Minister also welcomed the increased emphasis within BRICS on operational and technical cooperation among member countries. He said stronger coordination between agencies would help countries develop more effective methods to identify and dismantle narcotics networks.
Sarma stressed the importance of international cooperation in tackling the threat posed by drug trafficking and protecting young people from the consequences of narcotics abuse.
He said the recognition of the Guwahati Declaration demonstrated Assam’s ability to contribute to international discussions on issues extending beyond the state’s geographical boundaries.
For Guwahati and Assam, the development represents recognition of the region’s role in the wider fight against narcotics, Sarma said.
The Guwahati Declaration focuses on strengthening international cooperation to combat illicit drug trafficking, dismantle transnational narcotics networks and improve coordination among enforcement agencies.
It also emphasises intelligence-sharing, operational and technical cooperation, and coordinated action against emerging threats linked to the global drug trade.
Sarma described the recognition as a proud moment for Assam and said it would strengthen the state government’s resolve to build a safer and more secure state while contributing to regional and international efforts against narcotics trafficking.
