 "A private security guard stands outside the U.S. embassy in New Delhi on December 18, 2013. Reuters File")
The US Embassy in New Delhi on Thursday said that it has revoked and denied visas to several Indian business executives and corporate leaders due to their involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors.
Fentanyl precursors are the fundamental chemicals used to produce fentanyl, a major contributor to overdose deaths in the United States.
“These actions are taken pursuant to section 221(i), section 212(a)(2)(C), and 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. As a result of this decision, these individuals and close family members may be ineligible for travel to the United States. The Embassy is further flagging executives connected with companies known to have trafficked fentanyl precursors for heightened scrutiny if and when they apply for US visas,” US embassy said in a statement.
The statement from the embassy did not name the people affected, but a spokesperson said they were Indian nationals.
“The US 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,” the statement quoted Chargé d’affaires Jorgan Andrews as saying.
The US Embassy noted that Indian government officials have been working closely with their American counterparts to address the issue of drug trafficking.
US President Donald Trump, whose 50% tariffs on Indian imports previously strained bilateral relations, has also imposed similar duties on China, Mexico, and Canada, accusing them of contributing to the fentanyl crisis in the US.
In a statement to Congress this week, Trump identified India as one of 23 major drug transit or illicit drug-producing countries. However, he clarified that inclusion on the list does not necessarily reflect a government’s counter-narcotics efforts.
With inputs from agencies