India and Pakistan are among the countries listed in the United States' report about 20 major drug-producing or narcotics-transiting nations in the world.
However, the report, compiled by the State Department and released by the White House on Monday, made it clear that the list of major drug-producing or transit countries did not necessarily mean that its government was not trying to deal with the problem.
Incidentally, the list of drug-producing countries has remained the same in the last two years.
According to the report, Afghanistan and Colombia are the largest producers of illicit opium and cocaine.
The report, however, notes that, "India has an exemplary record of controlling legal opium production, with licensed farmers now being issued smart cards to enable the government to keep a better track of cultivation."
Pointing out the reason for India's inclusion in the list, Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics Christy McCampbell said India did have a problem of diversion of chemicals and opium products. As much as 30 per cent of India's opium is diverted to the illicit market, says the report.
Only Myanmar and Venezuela have failed demonstrably to make substantial efforts to adhere to international counter-narcotics agreements or to cooperate with Washington in accordance with various US anti-drug laws, states the report.
The report said that Myanmar was the largest source of methamphetamine pills, a synthetic drug, in Asia and its efforts against traffickers had been inconsistent