U.S. Cancels Visas for Indian Business Leaders Due to Fentanyl Connections
In a move that could further strain bilateral ties, the US embassy in New Delhi has revoked visas for some Indian business executives and corporate leaders. The decision, announced in a statement on Thursday, comes amidst concerns about the trafficking of fentanyl precursors.
The statement, which did not name the people affected, mentioned the challenge of drug trafficking and highlighted the US's commitment to combating the issue. It also indicated that Indian government officials have been cooperating closely with US counterparts to address the problem.
However, the US embassy's statement did not specify any specific countries as being a primary source of the drug trafficking issue. The US President, Donald Trump, has previously imposed punitive tariffs on Indian imports, citing their role in facilitating the flow of fentanyl into the US.
The revoked visas were based on the individuals' involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors, which are the basic or parent chemicals that form fentanyl. Fentanyl is a leading cause of US overdose deaths.
Trump's listing of India as a major drug transit or illicit drug-producing country is part of a broader strategy to combat the flow of fentanyl into the US. In a statement to US Congress this week, Trump listed India as one of 23 major drug transit or illicit drug-producing countries.
However, it's important to note that Trump's listing of India in this statement does not necessarily reflect the counter-drug efforts of the Indian government. Recently, several Indian CEOs and executives have received visa remedies from the US Embassy in New Delhi, but specific names have not been publicly disclosed. Official agencies such as the US Embassy and Indian government authorities have not provided any statements on the matter.
The US has been actively working with the Indian government to combat drug trafficking, as indicated by the US embassy's statement. The foreign ministry of India did not respond to a request for comment from Reuters regarding the US visa measures.
This development comes as the US has taken measures against Indian business executives and corporate leaders for their involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors, but the Indian government has not yet publicly commented on the matter. The US has also imposed additional tariffs on imports from India, China, Mexico, and Canada, citing their role in facilitating the flow of fentanyl into the US.
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