US Embassy in New Delhi Revokes Visas for Indian Business Executives Over Drug Trafficking Links

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The US embassy in New Delhi revoked visas of various business executives as they are speculated to have connections to the trafficking of fentanyl precursors. The embassy has not yet disclosed the identity of these individuals. This denial came “in furtherance of the Trump administration’s efforts to keep Americans safe from dangerous synthetic narcotics.”

What did the US Embassy Say?

Jorgan K. Andrews, the current Chargé d’Affaires at the US embassy, said, “The US Embassy in New Delhi remains steadfast in its commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking.”  He further mentioned that individuals and organizations involved in the illegal production and trafficking of drugs to the United States, along with their families, will face consequences. This includes being denied access to the United States. 

Apart from this, the US embassy also stated that business executives tied to these companies will have to undergo extra checks when applying for future visas. This is the second time the embassy has announced visa restrictions. The first instance happened in May when they denied Visas for owners of travel agencies in India for intentionally promoting illicit immigration to the US.

What is India’s Role in this Matter?

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India also actively supports this development, which the US embassy recently acknowledged. The embassy said, “We are grateful to our counterparts in the government of India for their close cooperation to combat this shared challenge.” The US body further added, “Only by working together will our two governments address this transnational threat and keep both our people safe from illicit drugs.”

This action of the embassy follows the previous efforts of the US embassy to curb the flow of fentanyl. Executive orders were given under the administration of Donald Trump to eliminate drug trafficking.

To sum up, the US embassy has denied visas to Indian business executives and their family members. This is the second time the embassy has revoked Visas in the same year. The Trump administration issued this development to stop drug trafficking. India is also actively supporting this initiative taken by the US embassy.