US embassy in New Delhi announced on Thursday that it has revoked and denied visas for certain Indian business executives and corporate leaders over their alleged involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors.
The embassy, however, chose not to disclose the names of the affected individuals or companies.
This move is part of the ongoing effort to combat the illicit trade of synthetic narcotics, in line with the Trump administration’s initiatives to safeguard American citizens from dangerous drugs.
The actions were taken under the Immigration and Nationality Act, and the affected individuals and close family members “may be ineligible for travel to the United States.”
The embassy said it was “flagging executives connected with companies known to have trafficked fentanyl precursors for heightened scrutiny if and when they apply for US visas.”
Second round of visa restrictions in 2025
This is the second time in 2025 that the US has imposed visa restrictions on Indian nationals.
In May, the US State Department imposed travel bans on owners and officials of travel agencies in India accused of facilitating illegal immigration to the US.
Related cases in 2025
The Justice Department recently charged two Indian companies, Raxuter Chemicals and Athos Chemicals, along with senior executive Bhavesh Lathiya, for conspiring to distribute fentanyl precursors to the US and Mexico.
A statement from the Justice Department at the time claimed that Lathiya was arrested in New York City on January 4 and subsequently arraigned before a magistrate in the Eastern District of New York on the charges.
Former US Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that Lathiya and the companies conspired to distribute and import fentanyl precursor chemicals from India into both the United States and Mexico.