- By Shubham Bajpai
- Wed, 16 Sep 2026 10:48 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- US designates India, China, Pakistan as major drug transit nations.
- Presidential determination commends PM Modi's efforts against opium cultivation.
- Listing does not imply punitive action without demonstrable failure.
India, China, Pakistan and 20 other countries have been designated by the United States as "major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries" for fiscal year 2027. The countries were named in a presidential determination submitted to the US Congress on September 15.
While India has been named in the presidential determination, the document hails New Delhi's efforts to fight the drug menace.
The document welcomed PM Narendra Modi and the Indian government's efforts to address the issue of illegal cultivation of poppy and strengthen supply chain integrity while adding that he looked forward to continued cooperation through the India-US Drug Policy Framework.
"I welcome Prime Minister Modi and the Government of India’s efforts to address illicit opium poppy cultivation and bolster supply chain integrity," Trump said in the determination.
Meanwhile, the document has urged Beijing to take stronger action to stop the flow of precursor chemicals, which are used in the production of fentanyl, methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs. The US document has described Beijing as the world's largest producer of several precursor chemicals.
Which countries are included in the list?
Apart from India, China and Pakistan, the list includes Afghanistan, the Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.
What it means for India?
Washington has made it clear that mere listing does not necessarily mean the government's inaction in combating drug trafficking because geographic, economic and commercial conditions of the countries may allow drug and precursor chemicals to be produced or transported through their territory.
India was included in last year's presidential determination too. The inclusion does not mean any punitive action unless a country is designated to have 'failed demonstrably' to make substantial efforts against the drug trade.
Such a label can invite consequences including suspension of bilateral assistance, blockade of loans and funds from other intergovernmental organisations and international financial organisations.
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