About this stamp
INTERPOL Commemorative Postage Stamp – Celebrating the 90th General Assembly in India
India Post released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the 90th General Assembly of INTERPOL, held in New Delhi from 18–21 October 2022. This philatelic issue not only celebrates India’s proud role in international policing but also commemorates the centennial journey of the world’s largest police cooperation organization.
About INTERPOL
The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) is the world’s largest international police body, with 195 member countries. Founded in 1923 in Vienna as the International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC), it later adopted “INTERPOL” as its common name in 1956, derived from its telegraphic address.
Headquartered in Lyon, France, INTERPOL serves as a vital platform for global police cooperation. In an era where transnational crimes are on the rise—ranging from cybercrime and financial fraud to human trafficking and narcotics smuggling—INTERPOL enables law enforcement agencies worldwide to share intelligence, provide assistance, and coordinate action.
Through its secure communication networks, advanced databases, and high-tech support, INTERPOL helps police across the world access critical information, such as:
- Fingerprints and DNA records
- Stolen and lost travel documents
- Stolen motor vehicles and firearms
- Criminal history data
It also offers training, investigative expertise, and operational support to member countries.
Structure and Governance
The General Assembly is INTERPOL’s supreme governing body. Comprising delegates from each member nation, including ministers, police chiefs, and senior officials, it meets annually to review policies, set programs, and elect the Executive Committee. Each member country has one vote, and decisions are taken by either a simple or two-thirds majority.
India’s Role in INTERPOL
India has been a proud member of INTERPOL since 1949, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) serving as the National Central Bureau (NCB) in New Delhi. The Director of the CBI is the ex-officio head of the Indian NCB.
India has actively contributed to INTERPOL over the decades, hosting key conferences such as:
- Inter-Regional Meeting of Heads of Drug Services (1988)
- Interpol Conference on Methaqualone (1992)
- 13th Asian Regional Conference (1994)
- 66th General Assembly Session (1997)
- 6th Global Focal Point Conference on Asset Recovery (2015)
In 2022, India proudly hosted the 90th General Assembly of INTERPOL at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, coinciding with the celebrations of 75 years of India’s independence. The INTERPOL flag was formally handed over to India in November 2021 during the 89th General Assembly in Istanbul, Turkey.
The following year, in 2023, INTERPOL’s General Assembly returned to Vienna, Austria, where the organization was originally founded, to mark its 100th anniversary.
The Philatelic Tribute
To commemorate this historic event, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp on the 90th INTERPOL General Assembly. This release stands as a lasting reminder of India’s leadership in global policing, as well as the spirit of international cooperation that INTERPOL represents.
For collectors, this stamp holds a special place in Interpol philately and highlights India’s contribution to fostering peace, security, and justice on the world stage.
For More Information
Read more here:
