The U.S. has identified India, along with China, as a key supplier of precursor chemicals for fentanyl production. The Annual Threat Assessment highlights the dangerous role both nations play in the opioid crisis, prompting President Trump’s implementation of tariffs related to drug trafficking. India is currently negotiating a free trade deal with the U.S. amid these developments.
The United States has officially identified India, alongside China, as a significant contributor in the provision of precursor chemicals for the illicit production of fentanyl. This designation emerges from the Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) published by the U.S. intelligence community, indicating that fentanyl-related fatalities in the U.S. exceeded 52,000 in the year leading up to October 2024.
The ATA highlights the role of transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), emphasizing that these groups often receive direct and indirect support from state actors such as China and India. The report specifies that China continues to be the primary source for illicit fentanyl precursors and related equipment, with India following closely behind.
This marks a notable shift, as it is the first instance the U.S. has placed India on par with China concerning illicit precursor supply. Previously, the 2023 report regarded India as a lesser contributor relative to other nations. The timing of this report coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump prioritizing the fight against opioids, influencing his administration’s foreign policy.
Earlier this month, President Trump announced a 10 percent tariff aimed at China due to its perceived inaction against fentanyl trafficking. Additionally, Canada and Mexico face 25 percent tariffs for similar reasons. Trump has suggested implementing reciprocal tariffs on various countries, although India is in discussions regarding a free trade agreement that may relieve it from some of these tariffs.
In conclusion, the U.S. intelligence report has highlighted India’s role in the global fentanyl supply chain, elevating its status to that of China for the first time. This development occurs alongside President Trump’s stringent tariffs aimed at curbing opioid trafficking, reflecting a significant shift in U.S. policy towards both nations. As discussions for a U.S.-India free trade agreement unfold, the implications of these tariff measures remain to be fully seen.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
