President Donald Trump praises Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anti-opium efforts as the United States places India among major drug transit or producing nations. Multiple outlets report Trump’s remarks linking India’s current status on a US narcotics list with what he calls progress in curbing illicit opium cultivation.
The US action is described as a designation that does not, in itself, accuse India of failing to tackle drug trafficking. Times of India and NDTV say Washington includes India alongside 22 other countries in a drug transit/producing list, and that the list is for a specified fiscal period. Times of India also notes the US wants continued cooperation with India under its Drug Policy Framework and that Trump calls on China to strengthen action against precursor chemical flows.
NDTV similarly emphasizes Trump’s praise of Modi’s crackdown, including references to broader progress attributed to Trump’s administration against drug trafficking and narcoterrorist organisations. Across outlets, the common point is the combination of an updated US designation and public praise for efforts against opium cultivation.
