Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Government of India has adopted a mission to make the country free from narcotics by 2047 and stressed that the global fight against drugs requires united international action and common legal frameworks.
Speaking at the R N Kao Memorial Lecture-2026 organised by Research and Analysis Wing, Shah said India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working with a “zero tolerance” policy against drugs and has prepared a comprehensive strategy to dismantle narcotics networks.India has set a target of achieving a drug-free nation by 2047.
Amit Shah called for common global laws against drug trafficking.He stressed extradition of drug mafia leaders and real-time intelligence sharing.Shah warned that delayed global action could worsen the narcotics crisis.India reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards drugs.More than 40 countries participated in the international event.Shah said narco-terrorism and drug cartels pose threats to national security.Over 40 transnational criminals were brought back to India in the past two years with international support.
During his address on the theme “Narcotics: A Borderless Threat, A Collective Responsibility,” Shah said the world must jointly tackle both international drug syndicates and narco-terror networks through coordinated efforts.
He said differences in laws and policies across countries allow drug cartels to exploit loopholes, making it necessary to establish globally accepted definitions for banned substances and uniform punishment for traffickers.
The Home Minister underlined the importance of sharing real-time intelligence to intercept narcotics consignments and track international drug kingpins.
Shah also said the war against drugs is directly linked to national security, public health and the prevention of “narco-states” from emerging as alternative centres of power.
He urged diplomats and representatives from over 40 countries attending the programme to actively support India’s anti-drug campaign and strengthen global cooperation against narcotics.
Shah stated that drug trafficking is not merely a policing issue but a social menace that causes long-term damage to future generations. He added that drug money often finances terrorism, organised crime and illegal economic activities.
Referring to India’s recent efforts, Shah said the country succeeded in bringing back over 40 international criminals during the past two years with the help of friendly nations, while emphasising that much stronger cooperation is still needed worldwide.
The lecture was organised in memory of Rameshwar Nath Kao and attended by diplomats, former intelligence officials and senior members of India’s security establishment.