Trump lists Afghanistan, India, China, Pakistan as drug hubs
Mr. Trump submitted the “Major’s List” to Congress, identifying Afghanistan, India, China, and Pakistan as key players in the global drug trade. According to the White House, these nations were designated for their roles in producing and trafficking illicit drugs that significantly contribute to America’s ongoing narcotics crisis and addiction problem.
President Donald Trump has named China, Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan among 23 countries that, according to him, play a significant role in either producing or trafficking illicit drugs. In what he called a “Presidential Determination,” submitted to Congress on Monday, September 15, 2025, Trump emphasized that these countries are directly contributing to the flow of narcotics and precursor chemicals into the United States. He argued that such activities pose a grave threat to the health, safety, and security of the American people.
The list, often referred to informally as the “Major’s List,” is an annual designation that highlights nations considered to be heavily involved in the global narcotics trade. By placing countries like Afghanistan, India, China, and Pakistan on it, Trump underscored the scale of the challenge the U.S. believes it faces from both drug-producing regions and transit routes.
According to Trump, the issue is not limited to just one or two countries. Instead, it is a worldwide problem with complex networks involving cultivation, manufacturing, trafficking, and distribution. While Afghanistan has long been associated with opium production, China has faced scrutiny for its role in the export of fentanyl and related chemicals. India and Pakistan, meanwhile, are seen by U.S. officials as important hubs for both transit and precursor manufacturing.
The President insisted that designating these countries is not merely about assigning blame. Rather, he framed it as a call for greater cooperation. “The American people are paying the price for these dangerous activities,” Trump said in his statement. “We will continue to hold accountable those nations that fail to take decisive action, but we also stand ready to work with our international partners to combat this crisis.”
The determination to list these 23 countries also reflects the ongoing opioid crisis in the U.S., which has devastated countless communities. Families who have lost loved ones to drug overdoses often press Washington for tougher measures, both domestically and abroad. Trump’s announcement, therefore, is likely aimed at signaling to the American public that his administration is treating the matter with utmost seriousness.
While critics may view the list as political posturing, supporters argue that naming these countries keeps global attention focused on the root causes of drug trafficking. For many, the announcement highlights a painful reality: the fight against illicit drugs remains an uphill battle, one that requires cooperation, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to saving lives.