By Kavita Mistry 
Last Updated:
US Embassy in New Delhi will revoke visas of Indian business leaders tied to fentanyl precursor trafficking, backing Trump’s anti-narcotics push.
US President Donald Trump has named India, Pakistan, China and Afghanistan among 23 nations designated as “major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries”. (Representative image)
The US Embassy in New Delhi has announced that it has revoked and denied visas of some Indian business executives and corporate leaders who are allegedly involved in the trafficking of fentanyl precursors.
In a press statement, the US Embassy in India stated that the decision has been taken in furtherance to the Trump Administration’s efforts to keep Americans safe from dangerous synthetic narcotics.
“The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi remains steadfast in its commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking. 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,” Chargé d’affaires Jorgan Andrews said.
Stopping the flow of fentanyl and its precursors into the United States is one of our highest priorities. We have revoked visas for company executives and family for the unlawful involvement in controlled substance trafficking, including fentanyl. Those who facilitate the flow of… pic.twitter.com/atWupz7WLG— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) September 18, 2025
It further said that the actions have been taken pursuant to section 221(i), section 212(a)(2)(C), and 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The Embassy spokesperson, however, refused to reveal the names of the firms and individuals known to have trafficked fentanyl precursors, but said that they will be flagged about it when they apply for visas to the US.
Drawing attention to the threat of fentanyl and illicit drug trafficking, the US embassy also thanked the Indian government for its cooperation to combat it.
FBI Assisted In Visa Action
FBI New York has said that it assisted the US Embassy in New Delhi in revoking and denying US visas for several business executives involved in trafficking lethal fentanyl precursors.
In a post on X, the FBI said, “This significant disruption helps stem the supply of fentanyl into the United States, thus protecting our citizens from this lethal drug.”
🛑FBI New York assisted the U.S Embassy in New Delhi with revoking and denying U.S. visas for certain business executives involved in trafficking lethal fentanyl precursors. This significant disruption helps stem the supply of fentanyl into the United States, thus protecting our…— FBI New York (@NewYorkFBI) September 18, 2025
The agency also released a statement stressing the importance of international cooperation in tackling the fentanyl crisis.
“Stopping the flow of fentanyl, including its precursors, to the United States is one of our top priorities. We are grateful to our counterparts in the Government of India for their close cooperation to combat this shared challenge. Only by working together will our two governments address this transnational threat and keep both our people safe from illicit drugs,” the FBI noted.
Trump Names India, China Among Major Drug Transit
Earlier today, US President Donald Trump named 23 countries, including China, Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan, as the major drug transit or major illicit drug-producing countries in a ‘Presidential Determination’ submitted to Congress.
In the determination, the US President warned that the production and trafficking of narcotics and precursor chemicals from these countries threatens the safety of the United States and its citizens.
Trump further singled out five nations — Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia and Venezuela — as having “failed demonstrably” over the past 12 months to uphold international counternarcotics obligations.
It reasoned that the countries are placed on the list on “the combination of geographic, commercial, and economic factors that allow drugs or precursor chemicals to be transited or produced, even if a government has engaged in robust and diligent narcotics control and law enforcement measures.”
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More
September 18, 2025, 16:54 IST
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