Following a meeting with Indian Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Kristie Canegallo, expressed optimism that the discussion would facilitate an exchange of ideas on various topics. The primary focus was on maintaining positive business relationships while curbing illegal activities.
"Illicit narcotics are a threat to both the United States and India. Chairman Agarwal of India's Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and I discussed how we can stop the diversion of chemicals to make narcotics, without constraining legitimate businesses," said Canegallo, according to X.
"The U.S.-India relationship is more important than ever. I’m proud we’re working closely with Foreign Secretary Kwatra & India’s Ministry of External Affairs on managing migration, combating narcotics, and protecting against cybercrime," Canegallo said.
Kristie Canegallo
| X
According to a DHS news release, the objective of the meeting was to fortify relations between the two nations and promote joint efforts in battling narcotics, illegal immigration, cybercrime and terrorism. Concurrently, the federal government plans to scrutinize the expansion of legal avenues for migration and augment laws targeting human smugglers through the U.S.-India Counternarcotics Working Group's initiatives. This coalition serves as a conduit for both governments to share information regarding their efforts to suppress illegal activity.
The news release further stated that to accomplish their goals, both governments would need to exchange information about chemicals used in fentanyl production. Bhalla and Canegallo signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at enhancing law enforcement intelligence sharing between the two countries. This step is designed to bolster security, improve law enforcement capacity and boost cooperation for the foreseeable future.
"DHS looks forward to building upon these productive discussions and commitments as we continue working to strengthen our partnership with India to further our shared security interests," stated DHS.
The partnership was initiated in June 2023 when President Joseph Biden met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to a White House press release, they announced that the partnership between their countries would depend on sharing technological assets - a move intended to forge a stronger bond between them.
