How Does India's Election to Interpol Asian Committee Reflect Its Commitment to Regional Cooperation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India elected to Interpol Asian Committee.
- Focus on regional cooperation against crime.
- Addresses drug trafficking and cyber crime.
- Strengthens international law enforcement ties.
- Annual meetings for coordinated actions.
Singapore/New Delhi, Sep 19 (NationPress) On Friday, India announced that its election as a member of the Interpol Asian Committee highlights the nation's dedication to regional collaboration in tackling mutual challenges such as drug trafficking, cyber crime, terrorism, and human trafficking.
"Dedicated to confronting shared challenges, India has been elected as a member of the INTERPOL Asian Committee for the term 2025-29 during the 25th Interpol Asian Conference held in Singapore. This membership emphasizes India's commitment to regional collaboration in addressing issues like drug trafficking, cyber crime, terrorism, and human trafficking," stated Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on X.
The election was conducted through a multi-stage voting process, marking a significant milestone in India’s engagement with international law enforcement cooperation, highlighted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) - the National Central Bureau (NCB) for Interpol in India, which serves as the national focal point for all Interpol-related matters and facilitates international cooperation among law enforcement agencies.
The federal probe agency manages and processes requests for Interpol notices, like Red Notices, and oversees the Bharatpol portal for seamless communication between Indian agencies and Interpol channels.
The statement added that the Interpol Asian Committee will advise the Asian Regional Conference in executing its mandate and will facilitate discussions during the session of the Asian Regional Conference by providing a clear understanding of the strategic and operational issues involved.
This Committee will also identify regional strategic priorities in combating crime and police cooperation issues pertinent to the area, as stated in the release.
India’s membership will further bolster regional collaboration, especially in tackling urgent challenges such as organized crime, cybercrime, human trafficking, terrorism, and drug trafficking, the statement asserted.
This accomplishment highlights India’s proactive engagement in international policing initiatives, its commitment to the Global Policing Goals, and its efforts to strengthen security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, mentioned the CBI.
The election follows a legacy of Indian representation at the highest levels of Interpol and showcases India’s increasing global leadership in law enforcement and transnational security issues.
The Committee is set to convene annually to discuss regional security matters and provide direction for coordinated actions among member countries.
India was represented at the Asian Regional Conference by a delegation from the CBI. The success is attributed to an intensive and coordinated campaign by Indian diplomats, Embassies/High Commissions, and the National Central Bureau (NCB-India), which sought essential support from friendly nations through bilateral and multilateral engagements.