BRICS Nations Adopt the Guwahati Declaration

The BRICS nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Indonesia, have adopted the Guwahati Declaration on July 7, 2026. This declaration focuses on strengthening cooperation to combat illicit drug trafficking and related transnational organized crime.

Key Points of the Guwahati Declaration

• Reaffirmation of commitment to prevent and combat illicit drug trafficking.
• Emphasis on enhancing the timely exchange of information, intelligence, and best practices within the framework of national and international laws.
• Promotion of innovative technologies and data-driven approaches to bolster law enforcement and regulatory efforts.
• Concern over the evolving nature of drug trafficking, synthetic drugs, and the misuse of emerging technologies and virtual assets.
• Focus on reducing drug demand, promoting healthy lifestyles, and protecting vulnerable populations, especially children and youth, through evidence-based strategies.

India's Role and Proposals

• India stressed the importance of building partnerships based on speed, trust, and seamless real-time intelligence sharing across borders.
• Adoption of a zero-tolerance policy against drugs, with a three-year roadmap (2026-29) focused on dismantling criminal networks and promoting mass awareness.
• India's strategy includes prevention of drug abuse, and strengthening treatment, de-addiction, and rehabilitation measures.
• Proposal for a BRICS Virtual Workshop Group and enhanced cross-border training initiatives.

Anurag Garg, Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau, highlighted the need for a unified network to break transnational drug trafficking networks, urging BRICS nations to pursue the shared goal of a drug-free world for future generations.