Past Events

27^th March, 2025 | 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Join us for an enlightening Twitter Space session focusing on “How Organized Crime and Illicit Trade Weaken Economies with Mr. Prem Mahadevan, Senior Analyst, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GITOC)” scheduled for Thursday, 27th March 2025 from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm. This session will delve into the alarming rise of organized crime and its deep-rooted connections to illicit trade, a growing menace that threatens economic stability, national security, and societal well-being worldwide. As criminal syndicates adopt increasingly sophisticated tactics to exploit vulnerabilities in global supply chains and financial systems, the need for stronger preventive measures becomes imperative.

Mr. Prem Mahadevan’s distinguished expertise adds depth to our discourse, highlighting the pivotal role of intelligence gathering, risk assessment, and inter-agency collaboration in dismantling organized crime networks. His extensive research and insights will provide valuable perspectives on the strategies employed by criminal syndicates, their impact on global trade, and effective countermeasures to mitigate these threats. The discussion will also highlight the pivotal role played by GITOC in addressing these challenges. As a prominent organization dedicated to analyzing and countering transnational organized crime, GITOC has been at the forefront of fostering global cooperation, intelligence sharing, and policy advocacy to combat illicit trade effectively.

The Twitter Space session aims to raise awareness on the urgent need for coordinated efforts between governments, enforcement agencies, and international organizations to curb illicit trade and mitigate its damaging consequences.

Mark your calendar and join us on Twitter Space to be part of this meaningful discussion.

25^th March, 2025 | Jharoda kalan, Delhi

The problem of counterfeiting and smuggling are major concerns that afflict our society, demanding the highest level of focus and importance from law enforcement authorities. It is imperative to consistently enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in comprehending the gravity of the issue and implementing essential measures against the culprits. The police officers play a vital role in tackling these socio-economic threats, which jeopardize both the economy and the well-being of individuals.

Over the course of its existence, FICCI CASCADE has fostered close collaborations with governmental bodies, industrial stakeholders, enforcement authorities, legal professionals, consumer groups, and the youth to generate awareness about the detrimental effects of counterfeiting and smuggling on our economy, health and safety. In addition to various initiatives, FICCI CASCADE consistently interacts with law enforcement agencies, encompassing the police, customs, and paramilitary organizations involved in border safeguarding.

In our ongoing efforts to raise awareness among enforcement agencies about the adverse effects of illicit trade, FICCI CASCADE is organising a training program to sensitize the police officers in Delhi on March 25, 2025. This initiative aims to mitigate the damaging impact of such activities and support law enforcement in eliminating these harmful practices from our economy. By enhancing their understanding of illicit trade’s far-reaching consequences, the program will empower officers to adopt proactive measures, improve surveillance techniques, and strengthen their enforcement capabilities.

11^th February, 2025, Tuesday | New Delhi

Smuggling is a widespread issue that transcends national borders, affecting countries and regions globally. Despite governments ongoing efforts to curb this illegal trade such as bolstering border security, enforcing stricter trade regulating, international cooperation to dismantle criminal syndicates—smuggling remains a persistent challenge that needs immediate attention. In line with our ongoing efforts, FICCI CASCADE organised its 4 th edition of Anti- Smuggling Day on 11 th February 2025 at Hotel Shangri-La Eros, New Delhi. The conference provided a platform to the stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions on the evolving nature of smuggling and its impact on economies and societies.

Mr. Mohan Kumar Singh, Member (Compliance Management), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs while addressing the conference emphasized the numerous challenges law enforcement agencies face in combating smuggling. These challenges include targeting criminal syndicates and identifying the key financiers behind the illegal operations, rather than merely apprehending the carriers. To effectively disrupt smuggling networks, it is crucial to have comprehensive data, specialized skill sets, and advanced tools for data analysis, along with enhanced intelligence coordination.

He highlighted that DRI has taken the initiative to establish an anti-smuggling coordination platform, encouraging all agencies to collaborate, share relevant information, and work collectively to dismantle smuggling operations and apprehend the true masterminds. Furthermore, he mentioned that the United Nations’ recognition of Anti-Smuggling Day will help raise international awareness, strengthening global efforts to combat this issue.

Highlighting the colossal nature of the problem of smuggling in the context of a rising Bharat, Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE asserted that along with the government and enforcement agencies it is critical that the consumers increasingly come forward and play their part in the battle against smuggling and illicit trade. He underscored the necessity of educating children and youth by raising awareness about the hazardous impact of smuggling. Furthermore, Mr. Rajput emphasized the pivotal role of advanced technology in combating smuggling and its related activities The synergy of these efforts will pave the way for a strong and enduring response to this formidable challenge.

While speaking on the evolving challenges of smuggling, Mr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, IPS, Former Deputy National Security Advisor, Government of India highlighted how technology, particularly the use of drones, has enabled the creation of new smuggling models with substantial profit margins. He emphasized that the government’s stance is unequivocal—smuggling and infiltration will not be tolerated. Although there have been multiple instances of drones carrying illicit goods being intercepted and shot down, he acknowledged that significant challenges remain due to the vast expanse of India’s borders.

Mr. R.K. Pachnanda, Former Director General, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indo Tibetan Border Police acknowledged the significance of the fourth annual Anti-Smuggling Day and commended FICCI CASCADE for its dedicated efforts in combating smuggling. He accentuated that illicit trade poses a serious threat to national security, and the government has been actively addressing this challenge by considering the unique geographical and operational complexities of India’s diverse border regions. Mr. Pachnanda mentioned that the government’s proactive approach has strengthened the response of border guarding forces and enforcement agencies, fostering greater coordination among administrative, security, diplomatic, intelligence, and economic bodies.

The panel discussion titled “Unified Enforcement Against Smuggling: Strategies and Cross-Agency Synergies” featured distinguished panellists who discussed the imperative role of technology in enhancing cross-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and joint efforts in the battle against smuggling. The panellists included Dr. D P Dash, Former Pr. Director-General, DRI, Former Chairman, Enforcement Committee, World Customs Organisation (WCO) and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE Mr. Amit Mohan Govil, Director General, Central Economic Intelligence Bureau; Mr. Vashishtha Chaudhary, Commissioner of Customs, ICD PPG and other ICDs, Delhi Customs; Colonel Deepankar Das, VSM, Col (Ops and Coord), Assam Rifles.

Another panel discussion titled “Building Alliances with Global Partners to Combat Smuggling – Initiatives and Solutions” brought together a panel of experts, including Ms. Sungita Sharma, Former Special Secretary & Member (Admin), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE; Mr. Jayant Misra, Expert & Consultant, UNODC; Mr. Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha, Former High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom; Mr. Hiroyuki Nakano, Senior Director, Regional Intellectual Property Attached for South Asia, JETRO. The discussion focused on strategies for forming a cohesive global alliance to tackle the complex challenges posed by smuggling, including the use of advanced surveillance technologies, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, which can be deployed on a global scale.

In his valedictory remarks, Mr. Brij Bhushan Gupta, Pr. Additional Director General, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, emphasized that with rapidly evolving threats such as cryptocurrency-based transactions, advanced concealment techniques, and maritime smuggling, enforcement alone is not sufficient. The trade community plays a crucial role in identifying risks, providing data insights, and developing cutting-edge detection technologies. A collaborative approach is the key to staying ahead of illicit networks and ensuring a fair and transparent trade ecosystem.

Mr. P C Jha, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs proposed the vote of thanks and urged the UN General Assembly to recognize a global ‘Anti-Smuggling Day.’ He underscored that by uniting governments, law enforcement, industries, and consumers, we can build a strong global movement to dismantle smuggling networks and safeguard economies, public health, and national security.

As a run-up to this year’s Anti-Smuggling Day, and to sensitize the youth on the menace of smuggled goods, FICCI CASCADE had organized a Digital Art Competition on the theme, ‘Stand Against Smuggling’. The competition received an overwhelming response, with an astounding 3,000 entries from across the country, showcasing their remarkable talent and creativity. The initiative seeks to inspire a deeper commitment among the youth to contribute to societal change by championing ethical consumer behaviour and thereby becoming responsible citizens.

The esteemed jury for the competition featured Justice Manmohan Sarin, Former Chief Justice, Former Lokayukta, NCT of Delhi, Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Judge, High Court of Delhi; Mr. Sanjeev Tripathi, Former Chief, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and Mr. P K Malhotra, Former Secretary Law, Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India. The winners of the competition were felicitated during the conference by the esteemed dignitaries.

The conference witnessed an overwhelming response by more than 350 industry captions, representatives from consumer forums, enforcement agencies, government officials, legal experts amongst others.

Thursday, 30 January, 2025

Smuggling in India is a pervasive threat that impacts not only the nation’s economy but also the well-being of its citizens. This illegal trade undermines legitimate businesses, drains government revenues, and poses significant risks to public health and safety. As one of the largest victims of these illicit activities, India faces immense challenges in tackling this growing problem, requiring coordinated efforts from government agencies, businesses, and citizens alike.

To address this pressing issue and emphasize the need for collective action, FICCI CASCADE has designated February 11th as Anti-Smuggling Day. This day serves as a call to action, encouraging stakeholders to come together to understand the far-reaching impacts of smuggling and explore strategies for greater collaboration and synergy in combating this menace.

As part of the build-up to Anti-Smuggling Day, FICCI CASCADE is organising a Digital Art Competition on the theme “Stand Against Smuggling” on January 30, 2025. The competition aims to educate and empower young minds about the harmful consequences of smuggling while encouraging them to reject illicit goods. Beyond being a platform to showcase artistic talent, the initiative seeks to inspire a deeper commitment among youth to contribute to societal change by championing ethical consumer behaviour.

We are delighted to invite entries from the students to participate in this impactful Digital Art Competition. To amplify their creativity, FICCI CASCADE will feature participants artwork on its social media platforms and official website, ensuring widespread visibility of their ideas.

All participants will receive a certificate of recognition from FICCI CASCADE, and the winners will be honored with a special acknowledgment for their outstanding contributions.

Join us in this meaningful endeavor to stand united against smuggling and foster a brighter and ethical future.

24^th December, 2024

In recognition of National Consumer Day and the collective responsibility to safeguard consumers and promote ethical trade practices, FICCI CASCADE hosted an engaging Twitter Space session titled “National Consumer Day: Fight Against Smuggled and Counterfeit Goods” on 24th December 2024. The session featured Mr. Hem Kumar Pande, Former Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE. Drawing from his vast experience and expertise, Mr. Pande provided valuable insights into the ongoing fight against counterfeit and smuggled goods, shedding light on the challenges and strategies to address this pressing issue.

The interactive session highlighted the grave threat counterfeit and smuggled goods poses to consumer health and safety, emphasizing the critical risks associated with these illicit products. It underscored the importance of raising public awareness to empower consumers to make informed choices, thereby safeguarding public well-being. The session also shed light on the essential role of governments and law enforcement agencies in intensifying efforts to combat smuggling and sale of counterfeit goods. Collaboration between policymakers, enforcement authorities, and organizations like FICCI CASCADE was emphasized as essential for building a more robust framework to counter such illicit activities effectively. Furthermore, the discussions explored how fostering public awareness can create a more consumer-conscious society that actively rejects counterfeit products, contributing to a safer and more secure marketplace.

The discussions not only illuminated the multifaceted impacts of smuggled and counterfeit product on consumer health and safety but also delved into their broader economic and social repercussions. The session charted a forward-looking pathway to strengthen collective efforts by emphasizing the need for robust policies, enhanced enforcement mechanisms, and widespread public awareness campaigns.

The virtual programme garnered enthusiastic participation from 19,000 attendees worldwide.

18^th December, 2024

FICCI CASCADE organized a thought-provoking Twitter Space programme, featuring Mr. P C Jha, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE & Former Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, on 18th December 2024. The session, titled “Combating Illicit Trade through Effective Enforcement” served as a dynamic forum to discuss the critical role of enforcement agencies in addressing the challenges posed by illicit trade. Mr. Jha highlighted how effective enforcement and strong deterrence mechanisms are pivotal in curbing the spread of illegal trade activities, which undermine legitimate businesses and the economy. The discussion emphasized the need for capacity building among enforcement officers, the adoption of advanced detection technologies, and the formulation of stricter punitive measures to deter offenders.

The session also explored the importance of public awareness in combating illicit trade effectively. Mr. Jha emphasized the need to educate consumers about the wide-ranging consequences of purchasing counterfeit and illegal goods, including revenue losses for governments and potential risks to consumer health and safety. Additionally, he explored the connection between taxation rates and the prevalence of illicit trade, pointing out that excessively high taxes on certain products could incentivize smuggling and illegal trade. He recommended a balanced approach to taxation, coupled with strong enforcement and widespread public awareness campaigns, as a crucial strategy to comprehensively address this complex issue.

Furthermore, the session emphasized the need for cross-border collaboration and intelligence sharing among nations. Illicit trade is a global issue that transcends national boundaries, requiring coordinated efforts to disrupt supply chains and dismantle organized criminal networks. By adopting harmonized policies and leveraging global partnerships, countries can create a unified front against these illegal activities. The discussions underscored the importance of fostering innovation in enforcement mechanisms, such as utilizing blockchain technology and digital authentication tools, to enhance traceability and accountability across supply chains.

In conclusion, the session fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas among participants, paving the way for collaborative strategies to combat illicit trade and safeguard the economy.

The virtual program garnered enthusiastic participation from 5,000 attendees worldwide.

24^th October, 2024 | FICCI, Federation House, New Delhi

Consumers are a vital part of any ecosystem, playing a crucial role in the development of a nation. The proliferation of counterfeit goods undermines consumer trust and significantly hampers the ability of legitimate businesses to compete on a level playing field. This creates an unfair market environment. Moreover, the trade in counterfeit goods poses serious risks to consumer safety and well-being, further complicating efforts to ensure a healthy, thriving economy.

To address this critical issue, FICCI CASCADE, in collaboration with Amazon, organized a seminar aimed at raising awareness about the detrimental effects of counterfeiting. The seminar emphasized on fostering partnership and cooperation among various stakeholders in the fight against counterfeit goods. The discussions underscored the importance of consumer trust, sharing best practices and addressing the challenges faced in protecting brands, particularly in the digital space.

During the inaugural session, Mr. B. Shankar Jaiswal, Joint Commissioner of Police (Tech, Cyber & Licensing), Delhi Police, highlighted how artificial intelligence has become a game-changer in recent years. AI is no longer just a tool, but a powerful resource enabling both brands and consumers to quickly identify threats and verify product authenticity. Illicit trade, including counterfeiting and smuggling, remains a complex global issue, with an estimated annual cost of $1.8 trillion.

Mr. Jaiswal emphasized that the police play a critical role in protecting brands, acting as the frontline defense against counterfeiting and criminal networks. Through proactive investigations, they help safeguard businesses, protect consumers, and uphold the integrity of the marketplace.

While delivering the welcome address, Mr. Deep Chand, Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi & Advisor, FICCI CASCADE accentuated that the rapid expansion of online marketplaces has opened new pathways for counterfeiters and smugglers to infiltrate global supply chains, posing serious threats to both businesses and consumers. From children’s toys to essential medical supplies, consumers are increasingly vulnerable to unsafe and counterfeit products. This troubling trend highlights the urgent need for stronger regulatory frameworks and more effective enforcement to protect public safety and preserve brand integrity.

Ms. Katharine Lister, Director of Worldwide Customer Trust External Relations at Amazon, highlighted that through initiatives like the Mission GraHAQ campaign, Amazon has reached nearly 3 million people, educating them on safe online shopping practices and the dangers of counterfeit goods. She emphasized that collaboration between the private sector, customs agencies, and law enforcement is necessary in intercepting counterfeiters early in the supply chain and preventing their products from crossing borders.

Mr. Suvashis Choudhary, Former Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police and Chief Security Commissioner of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, as well as a Think Tank Member of FICCI CASCADE, shared his insights on the importance of strengthening collaboration with enforcement agencies to more effectively address the challenges of global trade and counterfeiting. He emphasized that collective efforts, supported by targeted workshops, are crucial for driving meaningful change and creating a lasting, positive impact in the fight against illicit trade.

Mr. Sumit Kapoor, Brand Protection Strategic Partnership Manager, Amazon APAC mentioned that having witnessed three decades of India’s transformation, our country’s journey reflects significant changes in the social landscape, advancements in ecology and infrastructure, and the dynamic growth of our regulatory and judicial systems. These developments have laid the foundation for more robust strategies in brand protection and counterfeit prevention.

The seminar featured a Panel Discussion on “Best Practices and Challenges in Brand Protection.” Panellist, Mr. Ameet Dutta, Co-Chair- IP Committee and Partner at Saikrishna & Associates, shared his insights, stating that while counterfeiting has traditionally been a physical issue, the growth of e- commerce has prompted the development of a structured system to address digital infringement. He noted that the rise of online marketplaces has led to the creation of an institutionalized network focused on quickly removing infringing products, marking a significant shift in our approach to brand protection.

Mr. Arindom Hazarika, Senior Counsel, Trademarks & Brand Protection, South Asia emphasized that effective brand protection enforcement must address both online and offline platforms. He pointed out that the complexity of online transactions creates significant challenges in identifying and assessing counterfeit products. Mr. Hazarika stressed the importance of collaboration and raising awareness about illicit trade, particularly among small businesses. Empowering these businesses with the knowledge and tools they need is essential to collectively combat counterfeiting in our markets.

Ms. Swarnika Rawat, Brand Protection Unit Operations – Lead, Beiersdorf shed light on the importance of educating and training sales teams and on-ground employees to recognize suspicious activities. This proactive approach strengthens the fight against counterfeiting and smuggling. She highlighted that effective brand protection requires a holistic strategy, combining vigilant monitoring of both online and offline markets to stay ahead of the ever-evolving landscape of infringement.

Mr. Pavan Duggal, Advocate, Supreme Court of India, Expert Authority in Cyberlaw, Cyber Security Law & Emerging Tech Law engaged in a fireside chat with Ms. Katharine Lister, Director of Worldwide Customer Trust External Relations, Amazon. The discussion highlighted the vital importance of transparency and authenticity in fostering lasting relationships with consumers. Both experts underlined that when businesses prioritize transparency and ensure the integrity of their products and services, they not only build consumer trust but also enhance brand loyalty. By embracing these values, companies can effectively combat the challenges of counterfeit goods and create a more secure and reliable marketplace for their customers.

The seminar also featured a panel discussion on “The Power of Collaboration: Strategies to Combat Counterfeiting.” During the discussion, Mr. John Cabeca, U.S. IP Counsellor for South Asia, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), American Embassy stated that counterfeit products not only damage brand integrity but also pose serious risks to public safety, making it imperative that brand protection should be considered as a matter of public welfare in the fight against smuggling and illicit trade. To effectively combat the growing menace of counterfeiting, Mr. Cabeca highlighted the need for intentional collaboration between governments and industries, sharing best practices to protect markets and consumers from illicit trade.

Mr. Anuj Bedi, Senior Counsel Brand Protection Indian sub-continent and Middle East, Puma Sports India Pvt Ltd shared his perspective that the battle against counterfeiting is not limited to one domain, it’s essential to integrate strategies that address both online threats and offline realities to safeguard brand integrity. Collaboration across online and offline platforms is needed to effectively challenge counterfeiting and make a greater impact on brand protection.

Ms. Atika Prasad, Intellectual Property Attorney, Wahl Clipper Corporation opined that in the battle against illicit trade, understanding the evolving nature of counterfeit products is vital for effective protection. She stressed the importance of leveraging technology to combat counterfeiting, advocating for the use of authentication methods such as holograms and QR codes on packaging. These tools, are not just innovations but essential defences that help distinguish genuine products from illicit fakes, playing a key role in safeguarding both businesses and consumers from the dangers of counterfeit goods.

Ms. Mrunmaiy Abroal, Head of External Relations, Customer Trust, Amazon India delivered the vote of thanks and highlighted that counterfeiting is a challenge that demands a unified approach. She emphasized that fostering collaboration across various sectors and sharing best practices can drive innovation and effectively address this growing threat.

Over the years, CASCADE has consistently been at the forefront of addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by trade in smuggled, counterfeit, and pass-off goods. Through its proactive approach, CASCADE has brought together stakeholders from across industries, government, and law enforcement to tackle the widespread implications of these illegal activities on the economy and society. By raising awareness through campaigns, facilitating knowledge sharing, and driving legislative advocacy, the community has played a crucial role in highlighting the economic losses, health risks, and security threats associated with illicit trade.

The seminar garnered an enthusiastic response, with over 200 delegates participating in insightful discussions and sharing perspectives on addressing the challenges of counterfeiting and illicit trade.

12^th August 2024 | New Delhi

FICCI CASCADE is committed to empowering our nation’s youth by increasing their awareness and understanding of counterfeiting and smuggling. The goal of this engagement is to develop effective strategies to combat the growing challenges of illicit trade.

To this end a youth awareness campaign titled “ZERO-EVASION: The Role of Youth in Making India Free from Smuggling and Counterfeiting” was organized at the FICCI Federation House in New Delhi.

The campaign featured three competitive events: Poster Making, Elocution, and Jingle Writing. Over 650 students from 85 leading schools in Delhi and the NCR participated with enthusiasm. The impressive talent displayed by these young participants in addressing the serious issues of counterfeiting and smuggling was truly inspiring. The primary goal of these competitions was to heighten youth awareness and mobilize their support in combating illicit trade.

The competition commenced with insightful remarks from a distinguished panel. Mr. Sanjeev Tripathi, Former Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), emphasized the importance of educating school children about the harmful effects of smuggling and counterfeiting. He highlighted that such initiatives are crucial for fostering awareness about illicit trade.

Mr. Anil Sinha, Former Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), stressed the broad economic and security threats posed by illicit trade. He noted the importance of educating young people to be vigilant and to avoid illicit goods and services, thus contributing to a society that upholds ethical practices.

Mr. P.K. Malhotra, Former Secretary of Law at the Ministry of Law & Justice, spoke about the detrimental impact of illicit trade on society and economic growth. He praised FICCI CASCADE for engaging school children in a creative way to spread the critical message of combating illicit trade.

The involvement of young people in tackling smuggling and counterfeiting is crucial for nurturing a more informed, alert, and proactive society. Their participation not only aids in addressing the pressing issues of illicit trade but also plays a significant role in fostering a more ethical and sustainable future.

The competition was adjudicated by an esteemed panel comprising Mr. Anil Sinha, Mr. Sanjeev Tripathi, and Mr. P.K. Malhotra. Their expertise and presence greatly enhanced the event, underscoring the importance of involving youth in addressing these urgent issues.

3^rd August 2024 | FICCI, Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi

India is grappling with a widespread network of smuggling and counterfeiting. This rampant counterfeiting not only undermines legitimate businesses but also poses severe health risks to consumers, as counterfeit medicines and unsafe products proliferate, especially in rural areas with low consumer awareness.

FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) organised an auto rally on 3rd August 2024, at Tansen Marg, New Delhi, in order to highlight the impact of illicit trade on the economy. The rally aimed to educate the public about the dangers of counterfeit goods and smuggling, emphasizing how these activities harm legitimate businesses, lead to job losses, and affect government revenues.

The rally underscored the need for public awareness and cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by illicit products, which undermine the integrity of the economy and consumer safety.

Mr. Praveen Khandelwal, Delhi MP for Chandni Chowk, initiated the rally by flagging it off. He also delivered a significant speech addressing the urgent need to combat smuggling and counterfeiting. Mr. Khandelwal emphasized that smuggling has a “crippling effect on our economy” and highlighted the connection between illicit trade and funding for terrorist activities. He also urged the public to actively participate in spreading awareness about the dangers of such illicit products. He said, “It is thus important for us to spread awareness about anti-smuggling activities, and as citizens, we must take the responsibility to ensure smuggled and counterfeit goods don’t enter our markets.”

Mr. Khandelwal requested FICCI to conduct similar awareness drives in every state, emphasizing the need for widespread engagement. He stated that “I also request FICCI to conduct awareness drives of this nature in every state, and I will exhort the retailer community to participate wholeheartedly in these initiatives.”

Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairman of FICCI CASCADE, while emphasizing the implications of smuggling said that “Illicit Trade not only harms the economy through job losses and revenue leakages but also threatens the national safety and security”. He stressed on the importance of preventing the smuggled goods from entering the Indian market and reaching the consumers.

Highlighting the threats that smuggled goods and illicit trade pose to our country and the urgent need to act against counterfeiting and smuggling, Mr. Rajput hoped that through the auto rally and the support of the autorickshaw drivers, light would be shed on these rampant issues.

The auto rally was diligently laid out, following a route that spanned Tansen Marg, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road, Outer Circle Connaught Place, Janpath, Tolstoy Marg, and Barakhamba Road, ultimately concluding its journey at FICCI, Federation House.

The rally saw participation from 300+ auto rickshaws.