The US has accused the governments of India and China of encouraging the illegal trafficking of fentanyl. It is a deadly drug that has killed more than 52,000 Americans between November 2023 and October 2024. The US says that India is acting as a state actor in this entire matter, which means that the Indian government is also involved in it. The US has held both China and India responsible for this. The US alleges that the governments of India and China are involved in the trafficking of all the chemicals needed to illegally manufacture fentanyl in the country. It is worth noting that fentanyl is considered the most dangerous drug smuggled into the US. Fentanyl is a synthetic drug made from a combination of chemicals. US regulators approved fentanyl for use in some medications as a painkiller in the 1960s, but it has since become the leading drug responsible for opioid overdose deaths in the US. According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 74,000 Americans died in 2023 from taking a mixture of drugs containing fentanyl. It is often mixed with other illegal drugs, with many users not even aware that they are taking a substance containing fentanyl. A dose as small as two milligrams of fentanyl, or the size of a mustard seed, can be fatal.
Over the past decade, the global fentanyl supply chain has expanded, making it difficult for law enforcement and policymakers to control.
China is the main source of the raw chemicals used to produce fentanyl
A report has been released by the US intelligence agency. This report is called the ‘Annual Threat Assessment’. According to it, this drug has killed 52,000 Americans from November 2023 to October 2024.
The report clearly states that China remains the main source of illicit fentanyl precursor chemicals and pill-making equipment, followed by India.”
It is worth noting that this is the first time that the US has put India and China on the same list in this regard. Both countries are considered suppliers of illicit fentanyl. In last year’s report, India was ranked only as a minor supplier. While China was said to be the main source. This time, the situation has changed. This change shows that the US is now taking a more serious look at India’s role than before. This could pose various diplomatic and economic challenges for New Delhi. The incident comes at a time when Trump has declared that getting rid of drugs is a political priority for the country. This will also have an impact on the country’s foreign policy. Earlier this month, Trump had said that his administration will not rest until the fentanyl problem in the United States is permanently eliminated.
This Due to this, Trump imposed an additional 10% tariff on the US from February 1. The US said that China is not taking adequate steps to stop the smuggling of fentanyl. Trump had imposed an additional duty of 25% on Canada and Mexico. Trump alleged that these two countries do not have sufficient troops to maintain security at the border.
Trump had recently threatened to impose tariffs in response to the tariffs imposed by various countries from April 2. However, India is trying its best to get concessions from the US in this matter. By all means, it is trying to convince the US.
Due to this, a few days ago, India had also decided to remove the equalization levy imposed on American digital companies. This tax is also called the Google tax. Large companies providing online advertising facilities like Google and Meta had to pay this tax at the rate of 6%. India has announced to remove it from April 1, now the US has blamed China as well as India in the Fentanyl case.
There is a strong possibility of increasing rift between the US and India. There is also a threat of levy or additional duty on India. Along with this, there is a risk of India’s image being affected worldwide. Will India be able to give a befitting reply to the allegations made in this report? Will it be able to maintain its trade and diplomatic policies with the US?
