The U.S. intelligence report categorizes India as a ‘state actor’ in fentanyl trafficking, highlighting its role in supplying precursor chemicals alongside China. The report notes the lethal impact of fentanyl, with over 52,000 American deaths reported. President Trump’s recent tariffs aim to combat this crisis, with India negotiating a free trade deal to potentially avoid these tariffs.
The United States intelligence report identifies India, along with China, as a “state actor” facilitating the supply of precursor chemicals for the illicit production of fentanyl by criminal organizations. This synthetic opioid has resulted in over 52,000 American deaths within the year leading to October 2024, emphasizing the critical nature of this issue as outlined in the Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) released by the U.S. intelligence community.
Transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) are reportedly enabled both directly and indirectly by state actors like China and India, serving as significant sources of precursors and equipment for drug traffickers. While China is noted as the primary source of these illicit precursor chemicals and pill pressing machinery, India has now been acknowledged as the secondary supplier.
This marks the first occasion that the U.S. categorizes India similarly to China regarding its role in supplying chemicals necessary for drug cartels manufacturing opioids. Previous reports had only referenced India as a minor contributor alongside other nations, with China being the primary concern.
The revelation in the report coincides with President Donald Trump’s commitment to addressing the opioid crisis, influencing his foreign policy. Recently, he indicated that his administration would take decisive action to eliminate the fentanyl epidemic and has implemented tariffs, including a 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods due to insufficient action against fentanyl trafficking.
Additionally, President Trump has imposed up to 25 percent duties on Canada and Mexico for perceived inadequacies in border enforcement against fentanyl. In light of these measures, India is actively negotiating a free trade deal with the United States to potentially mitigate the impact of new tariffs scheduled for implementation on April 2, named “Liberation Day.”
In summary, the U.S. intelligence report has significantly elevated India’s role in international fentanyl trafficking, linking it directly to criminal organizations alongside China. The ongoing political actions by President Trump and the resulting tariffs highlight the urgency with which the U.S. is addressing the opioid epidemic, while India seeks to negotiate trade agreements that may offset these tariffs.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
