It was the first physical meeting between the two nations after Covid-19 travel restrictions were lifted. Last year, the two sides held a virtual summit where it was agreed to share intelligence to address the problem of maritime drug trafficking. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on drug-related issues and for security cooperation already exists between the two countries. Law enforcement in India, however, is concerned about the upsurge in Afghan heroin smuggling, especially after the Taliban takeover.

During the three-day session, New Delhi sought Tehran’s help in developing real-time intelligence sharing on Afghan heroin, drugs shipped from its ports of Chabahar and Bandar Abbas and growing problems due to shares borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Officials told ET that Iranian authorities have reiterated requests for consular access for its nationals arrested in India by various drug enforcement agencies and police.