A US intelligence report indicates India is among the top suppliers of illegal fentanyl precursor chemicals. The report highlights concerns over the flow of these substances, fueling the US fentanyl crisis. This development raises international alarm, prompting calls for stricter controls on chemical exports.
A recent US intelligence report has identified India as one of the top suppliers of illegal fentanyl precursor chemicals. The report suggests that India’s role in the global fentanyl trade is growing, raising concerns about its impact on international drug enforcement efforts.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is known to be up to 100 times more potent than morphine. It has been a major factor in the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States. It has become a significant issue for the Trump administration. While many have long considered China the largest supplier of both legal fentanyl and its precursor chemicals, the latest assessment identifies India as an emerging player in the illegal trade.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence published the 2025 Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) report. It also states that nonstate groups involved in fentanyl production receive direct and indirect support from state actors. The report highlights that India, along with China, serves as a major source of precursor chemicals and equipment used by drug traffickers. It places India second to China in the supply of illicit fentanyl precursors and pill-making equipment.
This marks a shift from previous assessments, which indicated that Mexican cartels sourced chemicals from India to a lesser extent. The findings have the potential to strain trade relations between India and the US, especially as the Trump administration has taken a strict stance on fentanyl trafficking. Earlier this month, the US imposed tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada, citing concerns about fentanyl smuggling.
India Under Hot Water???
India’s pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest in the world, supplying vaccines and medicines globally. However, recent incidents have put the industry under scrutiny. Earlier this month, India’s Anti-Terrorist Squad arrested individuals linked to pharmaceutical companies in Gujarat for allegedly exporting fentanyl precursors to Mexico and Guatemala. Additionally, the US Department of Justice recently indicted executives from a Hyderabad-based company for trafficking ingredients used in illicit fentanyl production.
The ATA report comes at a time when India and the US are engaged in trade discussions. Experts suggest that the report could lead to increased scrutiny of India’s pharmaceutical exports and potential economic measures from the US government. Indian officials have not yet issued a formal response to the findings. However, analysts believe that both nations will need to work together to address the growing fentanyl crisis while maintaining strong trade ties.
