Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stressed the importance of intergovernmental cooperation to uncover the masterminds behind smuggling networks and deter illicit trade. Speaking at the Global Conference on Cooperation in Enforcement Matters organized by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Sitharaman highlighted the need for customs authorities to share actionable information, focusing on cracking down on illegal trade in precious metals, narcotics, and precious reserves. She emphasized the role of international cooperation, especially with organizations like the World Customs Organisation (WCO), to combat the illicit trade that endangers wildlife and involves networked groups.