In a significant boost to India’s anti-smuggling and economic enforcement capabilities, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, along with Union Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, inaugurated the newly constructed headquarters building of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in New Delhi today. The inauguration marks a new chapter in enhancing the institutional and operational capacities of India’s premier intelligence agency on economic offenses.
A Strategic Milestone for India’s Economic Enforcement Ecosystem
The newly inaugurated DRI headquarters is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure to support its expanding mandate in combating cross-border crimes, smuggling, and revenue leakages. As India’s lead intelligence and enforcement agency in customs-related matters, DRI plays a critical role in protecting the nation’s economic frontiers, intercepting illicit trade, and upholding national security.
In her address, Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman lauded the DRI’s consistent efforts in maintaining India’s economic integrity. She emphasized that the new headquarters is a symbol of institutional empowerment, ensuring that DRI continues to operate with enhanced efficiency, coordination, and technological sophistication.
“DRI has been pivotal in upholding India’s economic sovereignty. With this new headquarters, we are reaffirming our commitment to strengthening our enforcement architecture,” she stated.
State-of-the-Art Facility to Boost Intelligence Operations
The modern facility features advanced operational and administrative infrastructure, including:
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Dedicated command and control centers
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Secure digital intelligence labs
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High-tech surveillance and monitoring rooms
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Training and strategy development spaces
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Collaborative work environments for inter-agency coordination
The design of the headquarters integrates digital modernization and sustainability features, in line with the government’s broader Digital India and green building initiatives.
DRI: A Pillar of Economic Vigilance
Established in 1957, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence operates under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and is tasked with gathering intelligence, conducting investigations, and coordinating anti-smuggling efforts across India. It has led numerous high-profile crackdowns involving narcotics, gold, wildlife trafficking, counterfeit currency, and even dual-use technology violations.
Union Minister of State Shri Pankaj Chaudhary acknowledged the immense contributions of DRI and noted that the new infrastructure would further improve inter-agency cooperation, both domestically and with global customs and enforcement networks.
“As smuggling techniques evolve, our enforcement tools and infrastructure must evolve faster. This headquarters represents a step forward in that direction,” he said.
Reinforcing National Priorities
The new headquarters is not just a physical upgrade but a strategic investment in national goals such as:
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Ease of Doing Business through secure trade facilitation
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Atmanirbhar Bharat, by protecting domestic industries from illegal imports
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National Security, by stopping the inflow of contraband and sensitive materials
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Revenue Protection, ensuring lawful tax collection and economic compliance
Senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, CBIC, enforcement agencies, and DRI officers from across the country attended the ceremony. The inauguration was followed by a walkthrough of the new facility and a showcase of DRI’s notable achievements and ongoing missions.
