In a concerted effort to combat the growing menace of illicit tobacco trade in India, Philip Morris International (PMI) has reiterated its commitment to strengthen government-to-government collaborations and enhance intelligence sharing on transnational networks. Speaking at a recent industry event, IPM India’s Managing Director, Navaneel Kar, highlighted that illicit tobacco trade has surged dramatically, now constituting nearly 25% of the cigarette market in India, with significant implications for public health and the economy.
The Tobacco Institute of India (TII) reports that the illegal cigarette trade, encompassing both internationally smuggled and locally manufactured tax-evaded products, has reached alarming levels. With an estimated 120 million smokers, India stands as the fourth largest hub for illegal cigarette trade globally, leading to an annual tax loss of approximately USD 1.6 billion and over 12,000 job losses.
Anushree Lakshminarayanan, Director of External Affairs at IPM India, emphasized the need for robust public-private partnerships to tackle this issue. She stated, “Technology and innovation are pivotal in securing our supply chain and combating illicit trade.” PMI’s strategy focuses on five key areas: research and intelligence, supply chain protection, partnerships, law enforcement cooperation, and public awareness campaigns. The call for a unified approach is critical to safeguard India’s economic interests and public health.
