Drugs Smuggling Has Increased in ‘Quantum’ Post-US Exit from Afghanistan: Top Navy Official

News Snapshot:

Smuggling of narcotics has increased in quantum and size post the withdrawal of United States troops from Afghanistan in August 2021, especially in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), a top Indian Navy official said on Tuesday. Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, said China’s footprint in the maritime domain of IOR has grown manifold over the last decade, with increasing presence of its warships, research and fishing vessels apart from merchant ships. He termed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which started on February 24, as a “landmark” event which has already started shaping a shift in...