• Source:JND
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The United States has revoked visas of a number of Indian business leaders and their relatives due to connections with fentanyl precursor trafficking. The US Embassy in New Delhi confirmed the action, stating it is a demonstration of Washington's strong stand against the spread of fentanyl throughout the world.

The move followed just hours after US President Donald Trump threatened nations plagued by their drug trade and narcotics production. He asserted that nations engaged in such activities would be severely penalised. The new visa move is being interpreted as part of that greater push.

In a statement, the US Embassy indicated the move was made in continuation of the Trump Administration's initiative to protect Americans from harmful synthetic drugs. "The US Embassy in New Delhi revoked and then denied visas to some business executives and corporate management based on activities involving trafficking fentanyl precursors," read the statement.

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Legal Basis For Action

The revocations of visas were made pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act provisions. They are Section 221(i), Section 212(a)(2)(C), and Section 214(b). Collectively, they enable the US to exclude people who are involved in drug trafficking or are suspected of abetting it.

As a consequence of this decision, executives as well as their immediate family members can now be denied travel to the United States. The US further stated that it will flag other executives connected to firms found to have trafficked fentanyl precursors. These individuals will be subjected to increased scrutiny when they apply for visas in the future.

Embassy's Firm Stand

Charge d'affaires Jorgan Andrews emphasised the seriousness of the action. "The US Embassy in New Delhi is committed to fighting illicit drug trafficking. People and entities engaged in the illegal cultivation and trafficking of drugs to the United States and their family members will face consequences, including being banned from entering the United States," he said.

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Fentanyl, one of the most potent synthetic opioids, has been at the focal point of America's current drug crisis. Precursor chemicals imported from overseas, such as India and China, are thought by US authorities to be driving the issue. Washington is sending a message that responsibility will spread beyond corporations to people and their immediate networks by targeting business leaders and their relatives.