US Revokes Visas Of Indian Executives, Families Over Drug Links

The United States has revoked and denied visas for several Indian business executives and their families due to alleged links to fentanyl precursor trafficking. The move came shortly after President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to nations involved in rampant drug trafficking and narcotics production.

In a statement on Thursday, the US embassy in New Delhi confirmed that certain Indian corporate leaders were denied entry as part of Washington's wider crackdown on the trafficking of dangerous synthetic narcotics.

"As a result of this decision, these individuals and close family members may be ineligible for travel to the United States," the embassy noted. It added that executives of companies linked to fentanyl precursor trafficking will be flagged during future US visa applications.

Chargé d'affaires Jorgan Andrews highlighted the dangers posed by fentanyl and expressed appreciation for India's cooperation in tackling the issue. "Individuals and organizations involved in the illegal production and trafficking of drugs to the United States, along with their families, will face consequences that may include being denied access to the United States," he said.

Earlier this year, Washington identified China and India as the primary sources of illicit fentanyl precursor chemicals and pill-pressing equipment. In March, three employees of an India-based chemical manufacturer were charged in a federal court in Washington, DC, for allegedly importing precursor chemicals used in fentanyl production.

The embassy's announcement came soon after Trump identified 23 nations, including India, as "major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries." The list also included Pakistan, China, Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.

Warning these countries of possible repercussions, Trump stated: "Countries where these drugs originate and transit must fulfil their obligations and shut off these supplies - or face serious consequences."