Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the nationwide 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan', calling upon young people to lead the fight against drug abuse and describing the supply of narcotics into India as part of a conspiracy by hostile forces to weaken the country.

Addressing the launch event through video conferencing, the Prime Minister said drug addiction poses a serious challenge not only to public health but also to national security.

"Enemy countries want to push Indian youth into the trap of drugs. This conspiracy must be defeated together," he said, adding that the vision of a developed India can only be achieved if the country's youth remain physically and mentally healthy.

100-Week Nationwide Campaign Announced

The Prime Minister announced that the anti-drug campaign will continue for 100 consecutive weeks, with programmes to be organised every Sunday across the country.

The initiative will feature activities related to sports, culture, arts, community engagement and public awareness, aimed at educating young people about the harmful effects of substance abuse.

According to the government, the launch programme witnessed participation from more than one crore people across over 28,000 locations through video conferencing.

Before the Prime Minister's address, participants across the country took a pledge to support the goal of a drug-free India.

Drug Addiction Destroys Dreams, Says PM

During his address, the Prime Minister said drug addiction derails the aspirations of young people and affects entire families.

He noted that while Indian youth are making significant contributions in sectors such as start-ups, artificial intelligence and space technology, addiction can destroy both individual careers and family aspirations.

He urged young people to stay focused on their ambitions and avoid substance abuse.

Links Drug Trafficking to National Security

The Prime Minister asserted that drug trafficking is not merely a law-and-order issue but also a threat to national security.

He said hostile nations attempt to target India's youth through narcotics and stressed that the government is intensifying action against drug traffickers and smugglers under its zero-tolerance policy.

He added that enforcement agencies have significantly increased seizures of illegal narcotics and strengthened operations against trafficking networks in recent years.

Calls for Second Chance for Recovering Addicts

PM Modi also appealed for a compassionate approach towards individuals who overcome addiction.

He said those who recover from substance abuse demonstrate courage and determination and deserve an opportunity to rebuild their lives.

"A person's past does not define them. Their courage to overcome challenges does," he said.

Campaign to Involve Educational and Social Institutions

The Prime Minister said the campaign aims to become a nationwide movement through the participation of schools, colleges, universities, youth organisations, industries, social groups and more than 125 spiritual organisations.

The government hopes coordinated efforts by educational institutions, civil society and religious organisations will help create greater awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and encourage healthier lifestyles among young people.

Understanding Narco-Terrorism

The campaign also highlighted concerns over narco-terrorism, referring to the use of money generated through illegal drug trafficking to finance terrorist activities, purchase weapons and sustain extremist networks.

Officials have repeatedly stated that India's geographical location between the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran) and the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos and Thailand) makes it vulnerable to international drug trafficking networks, which use the country both as a transit route and a target market.