FBI Director Kash Patel is seeking India's help in combating the flow of fentanyl into the United States, framing the issue as a global security threat orchestrated, in part, by actors within China. Patel, who assumed the role of FBI Director on February 20, 2025, has described the fentanyl crisis as a form of "chemical warfare" against the United States, with devastating consequences including over 100,000 overdose deaths in 2024 alone.

Patel's strategy involves close collaboration with Indian law enforcement to disrupt the supply chain of fentanyl precursors. He has stated that while China is the primary source of these precursors, they are often routed through third-party countries like India to evade scrutiny. He claims that Mexican cartels then use these precursors to manufacture fentanyl, which is smuggled into the U.S.

In a recent interview, Patel revealed that he had directly contacted the Indian government, seeking their assistance in identifying and shutting down companies involved in the trafficking of fentanyl ingredients. He emphasized that while India is not a major consumer of fentanyl, it has become a critical transit point, and its cooperation is essential to prevent the crisis from worsening. Patel highlighted that joint operations between the FBI and Indian authorities are already underway.

The FBI director's focus on India's role in the fentanyl supply chain aligns with recent reports identifying India as an emerging source for fentanyl precursors. Patel's approach involves not only law enforcement collaboration but also potential sanctions and indictments against companies involved in the illicit trade.

While China has, at times, taken steps to regulate fentanyl and its precursors, Patel contends that these efforts are insufficient, and Chinese entities continue to play a significant role in the supply chain. He characterized the fentanyl epidemic as a coordinated attack on American infrastructure, requiring a comprehensive and international response.

Patel's approach to the fentanyl crisis marks a significant shift, framing it not merely as a policing or public health issue but as a national security threat demanding a coordinated global effort. His emphasis on collaboration with India reflects a strategy of targeting the entire supply chain, from the production of precursors to the distribution of the final product.