Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary inaugurated the 68^th Founding Day celebrations of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), India’s apex anti-smuggling intelligence and enforcement agency under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), at its Headquarters at New Delhi, today.

Also present were Shri Vivek Chaturvedi, Chairman, CBIC; Shri M.K. Singh and Shri Yogendra Garg, Members CBIC; Shri Abhai Kumar Srivastav; DG, DRI, besides retired and serving senior officials of CBIC and other Indian Law Enforcement Agencies.

In his address on the occasion, MoS Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, lauded DRI’s steadfast commitment to protecting India's economic borders and trade infrastructure since its establishment in 1957. He commended DRI for tackling global challenges, technological changes, and the emergence of organised international crime networks and continuing to perform its duties with steadfastness, dedication, and efficiency on every front. He underscored that the endeavour of the Government is to ensure that honest taxpayers can do business with dignity and that the use of India’s land, waterways, or air becomes impossible, risky, and futile for illegal trade.

CBIC Chairman Shri Vivek Chaturvedi praised DRI for its unwavering professionalism and its central role in safeguarding legitimate trade. He encouraged officers to continue leveraging technology, risk management tools, and global partnerships to strengthen India’s border security framework.

In his welcome address earlier, Shri Abhai Kumar Srivastav; DG, DRI, reaffirmed DRI’s commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards and operational excellence. He highlighted the DRI’s relentless efforts in busting smuggling syndicates and choking the stream of illicit funds generated from smuggling, which could otherwise be leveraged by anti-national groups and other non-state actors for activities that are inimical to the national interests, impinging upon both public order and national security.

As part of the Founding Day celebrations, DG’s Commendation Certificates for Meritorious Service and Excellence were awarded to DRI officers for exceptional contributions to enforcement and intelligence operations.

DRI also released the Smuggling in India Report 2024–25, its annual flagship publication that highlights trends in illicit trade, major enforcement achievements, emerging challenges, and policy recommendations.

The ceremony was attended by 30 international delegates from 15 participating countries in the 10^th Regional Customs Enforcement Meeting (RCEM), reflecting the growing partnership between India and global enforcement agencies in combating transnational smuggling. Their presence underscored DRI’s role as a key contributor to international customs collaboration.

DRI reaffirms its mission to protect India’s borders, safeguard economic interests, and uphold the highest standards of integrity as it enters its 69th year of service to the nation.

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NB/KMN