Sanctions and Sovereignty: India’s Pharmaceutical Sector Under U.S. Pressure

The United States has accused certain Indian pharmaceutical firms of indirectly contributing to the fentanyl crisis that has claimed thousands of lives in North America. Sanctions imposed on these companies include restrictions on trade, financial transactions, and international operations. While Washington claims the measures are necessary for public safety, Indian observers argue that these actions unfairly tarnish the reputation of an entire industry that is largely committed to ethical production and distribution. Moreover, India has strict regulations on narcotics and controlled substances. Pharmaceutical companies operate under the oversight of agencies such as the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization. Critics therefore question whether the U.S. has overstated the role of Indian firms, using the fentanyl crisis as a convenient justification for imposing economic restrictions. The sanctions have multiple negative implications for India...