The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has announced a crackdown on visa eligibility for Indian business executives and corporate leaders found to be involved in trafficking fentanyl precursors. This action, revealed on Thursday, September 18, 2025, includes revoking and denying visas to those implicated, potentially impacting their close family members as well.
The embassy's decision aligns with the Trump Administration's ongoing efforts to protect Americans from dangerous synthetic narcotics. The U.S. government has identified both China and India as primary sources for illicit fentanyl precursor chemicals and pill-pressing equipment. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, much more potent than morphine, and has been linked to a significant number of overdose deaths in the United States.
Chargé d'affaires Jorgan Andrews affirmed the U.S. Embassy's commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking. He stated that individuals and organizations involved in the illegal production and trafficking of drugs to the United States, along with their families, will face consequences, including being denied access to the United States. The embassy has also indicated that executives connected with companies known to have trafficked fentanyl precursors will face heightened scrutiny when applying for U.S. visas.
The U.S. Embassy thanked the Indian government for its cooperation in addressing this shared challenge. The U.S. government believes that collaboration between the two countries is essential to effectively combat this transnational threat and safeguard their citizens from illicit drugs.
This move follows President Trump's identification of 23 countries, including India, as "major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries". The U.S. Department of State has also imposed visa restrictions on owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies based and operating in India for knowingly facilitating illegal immigration to the United States. The U.S. government is actively targeting those engaged in facilitating illegal immigration, human smuggling, and trafficking operations.
