India Identified as Key Supplier of Fentanyl Precursors in US Intelligence Report

A newly released US intelligence report highlights India as a significant supplier of precursor chemicals used in the illegal production of fentanyl. The 2025 Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) names India alongside China as primary sources of fentanyl precursors and pill-pressing equipment, raising concerns over global drug trafficking networks.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 100 times stronger than morphine, remains the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States. The report states that non-state actors, including criminal organizations, are increasingly sourcing chemicals from India and China to manufacture the drug, which is then processed in Mexico and smuggled across the US border.

India, recognized globally for its pharmaceutical industry, has faced scrutiny over regulatory oversight. Recent arrests in Gujarat and a US indictment against executives from a Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company indicate growing law enforcement action against illegal fentanyl-related exports.

This development comes amid heightened trade tensions between India and the US. With bilateral trade exceeding $120 billion in 2024, any implications of illicit drug links could impact India’s standing in future trade negotiations. The US has already imposed tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada to combat fentanyl trafficking, raising speculation about potential actions against India.

While the Indian government has yet to respond, ongoing trade discussions in New Delhi and recent talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump underscore the importance of strong diplomatic and economic ties. Experts stress the need for enhanced cooperation between both nations to tackle drug trafficking while preserving their strategic partnership.