Even as US President Donald Trump seeks to strengthen ties with India, he has once again singled out the country, alleging that India, along with 22 other nations, is involved in the production and trafficking of illegal drugs. China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan were also named as major hubs facilitating drug trade, which Trump said poses a significant threat to public health in the United States.
In the Presidential Determination report submitted to the US Congress on Monday, Trump listed India, Pakistan, China, Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Myanmar, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela as key countries involved in drug production and trafficking. He highlighted that nations like Afghanistan, Bolivia, Myanmar, Colombia, and Venezuela have repeatedly violated international regulations. Trump emphasized the deadly impact of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, on Americans aged 18 to 44 and accused China of being the primary source for fentanyl supply, vowing to take all necessary measures to curb the global spread of narcotics.