US Bars Indian Business Executives Over Fentanyl Trade

In a move that underscores intensifying scrutiny over the global supply chain of synthetic narcotics, the US Government on Thursday announced that it has revoked and denied visas for certain business executives and corporate leaders from India on charges of alleged involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors.

According to a statement from the United States Embassy in New Delhi, the action was taken “in furtherance of the Donald Trump administration’s efforts to keep Americans safe from dangerous synthetic narcotics.” While the embassy declined to name the affected individuals or their companies, it confirmed that both the executives and their close family members “may be ineligible for travel to the United States” under various provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The development marks the second instance this year in which the United States Department of State has imposed visa restrictions on Indian nationals. Earlier in May, it had restricted the travel of owners and senior officials of Indian travel agencies for “knowingly facilitating illegal immigration” into the US.

“The US embassy in New Delhi remains steadfast in its commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking. Individuals and organisations 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,”
— said Jorgan Andrews, the chargé d’affaires at the embassy.

The embassy further stated that executives connected to companies suspected of trafficking fentanyl precursors will be flagged for heightened scrutiny during any future US visa applications. The names of the companies and individuals are being withheld due to confidentiality protocols.

US: Previous Criminal Cases Add Weight to Crackdown

The move follows high-profile legal action earlier this year, when the United States Department of Justice charged Raxuter Chemicals, Athos Chemicals, and Bhavesh Lathiya—a founder and senior executive of Raxuter Chemicals—with criminal conspiracies to distribute and import fentanyl precursor chemicals into the US and Mexico. Lathiya was arrested in New York City on January 4 and arraigned before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Investigators alleged that these India-based companies shipped chemicals to the US and Mexico through international mail and package carriers, mislabeling packages, falsifying customs forms, and using deceptive declarations to avoid detection at border checkpoints. Then-attorney general Merrick Garland had said the case highlighted “a coordinated effort to flood American and Mexican markets with deadly synthetic drugs.”

Bilateral Cooperation Amid Tougher Policies

Despite the strong measures, the US embassy acknowledged India’s cooperation in combating the transnational fentanyl threat. “Stopping the flow of fentanyl and its precursors is a top priority for Washington,” it said, adding that both governments must “work together to address this shared challenge.”

The action also aligns with multiple executive orders issued during the Trump administration to secure US borders, dismantle drug trafficking networks, and press source countries to implement stricter regulations on the export of illicit chemicals.

This move follows the May episode when Washington, for the first time, used military aircraft to deport more than 300 Indians accused of illegally entering the US, and subsequently imposed visa restrictions on certain travel agency owners and officials allegedly linked to human smuggling networks.

US: Silence from Indian Officials

There has been no immediate response from Indian authorities regarding the latest visa bans. Analysts say the decision may create temporary diplomatic ripples, but is unlikely to derail the broader strategic and trade relationship between the two democracies.

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