US revokes visas of Indian executives over Fentanyl precursor links, seeks stronger crackdown

The United States has revoked and denied visas for several Indian business executives and their families, citing alleged involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursor chemicals. While the U.S. embassy in New Delhi declined to disclose names, it said the action aligns with the Trump administration’s pledge to combat the deadly synthetic opioid crisis.

According to a statement, individuals tied to companies linked with fentanyl precursors will face heightened scrutiny under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Chargé d’affaires Jorgan Andrews underscored Washington’s “steadfast commitment” to tackling drug trafficking and warned that those involved “will face consequences, including visa ineligibility.”

This is the second major visa-related penalty against Indians this year. In May, Washington imposed restrictions on Indian travel agency officials accused of facilitating illegal immigration.

The latest move follows earlier U.S. Justice Department charges in January against two India-based firms—Raxuter Chemicals and Athos Chemicals—and Bhavesh Lathiya, an executive of Raxuter. Prosecutors allege they conspired to distribute fentanyl precursors to the U.S. and Mexico using deceptive shipping practices like false labelling and customs declarations. Lathiya was arrested in New York and faces trial.

Fentanyl itself is not manufactured in India at scale, but U.S. authorities say precursor chemicals have been sourced from India and trafficked to cartels. Independent experts note that while China remains the primary source of fentanyl and its precursors, India has emerged as a secondary hub, making Washington’s scrutiny credible.

The U.S. embassy also expressed gratitude for India’s cooperation in addressing this “shared transnational threat” and emphasized that joint action is essential to curbing the illicit trade.