Indian Business Leaders and Families Face US Visa Revocations Due to Fentanyl Trafficking Allegations

The United States has canceled the visas of several Indian businesspeople and their families, citing involvement in the trafficking of fentanyl precursors. This action was announced by the American embassy in Delhi, which stated that the individuals and their families would be barred from entering the United States. The embassy’s statement did not identify any specific individuals involved. The embassy also made it clear that it would flag instances where corporate executives have trafficked fentanyl precursors. The U.S. embassy in Delhi emphasized its ongoing commitment to combating drug trafficking. It warned that individuals and organizations engaged in the illegal production and trafficking of drugs to the United States would face repercussions, including potential denial of entry for themselves and their families. The embassy also expressed its gratitude to the Indian government for its collaboration in addressing this shared challenge. Both governments are working together to fight this transnational threat and protect citizens from illicit drugs. Fentanyl, a drug that can be manufactured on a large scale, is significantly more potent than heroin. U.S. authorities have recognized fentanyl as the leading cause of death for people aged 18-45, also naming China as the source of fentanyl-related substances. The U.S. government has taken measures, including tariffs on goods from China, Mexico, and Canada, to restrict the flow of fentanyl into the country. Approved for medical use as a painkiller since the 1960s, fentanyl has become a significant contributor to opioid-related deaths in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control reported over 48,000 deaths in 2024. Its potency makes it a dangerous substance, with a potentially fatal dose being as little as two milligrams.