Philip Morris International (PMI) has reinforced its commitment to combating the escalating illicit tobacco trade in India, advocating for government-to-government collaborations and enhanced intelligence sharing on transnational networks. Speaking at a recent industry event, IPM India’s Managing Director, Navaneel Kar, revealed alarming statistics: illicit tobacco now accounts for nearly 25% of India’s cigarette market, driven by a staggering 120 million smokers. This surge positions India as the fourth largest hub for illegal cigarette trade globally, resulting in a tax loss of approximately USD 1.6 billion and over 12,000 job losses in 2019-2020.
Anushree Lakshminarayanan, Director of External Affairs at IPM India, emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to secure the supply chain and combat illicit trade. “Public-private partnerships, grounded in a common-sense approach, are vital,” she noted. PMI’s multifaceted strategy focuses on research, supply chain protection, law enforcement cooperation, and raising public awareness.
With the illicit tobacco market posing a threat of USD 2.7 billion to India’s economy, PMI’s call for coordinated action highlights the urgent need for a robust response to this growing challenge. The company aims to safeguard consumers and bolster India’s economic interests through comprehensive efforts against illegal tobacco trade.
