Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States Allison Hooker will visit New Delhi and Bengaluru, India, from December 7 to 11. Under Secretary Hooker’s visit will focus on advancing the U.S.-India strategic partnership, deepening economic and commercial ties including increasing American exports, and fostering collaboration in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and space exploration.

While in New Delhi, Under Secretary Hooker will meet with senior Indian officials to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific, including through the Foreign Office Consultations with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.  In Bengaluru, Under Secretary Hooker will visit the Indian Space Research Organisation and meet leaders from India’s dynamic space, energy, and technology sectors to promote innovation in U.S.-India research partnerships and to explore opportunities for expanded cooperation.

Under Secretary Hooker’s visit marks another step forward in advancing President Trump’s priorities for a strong U.S.-India partnership and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Republic of India, the State of Japan, and the Commonwealth of Australia on the occasion of The 3^rd Quad Counterterrorism Working Group (CTWG) meeting.

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The 3^rd Quad Counterterrorism Working Group (CTWG) meeting between India, Japan, Australia, and the United States of America was held in New Delhi on 04-05 December 2025, as a part of India’s rotation hosting the next Quad Summit.  The Quad CTWG was established during the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi in March 2023.

Ambassador Sibi George, Secretary (West), delivered the keynote address, underscoring the need for forging a common resolve within the Quad to combat the scourge of terrorism, and urged all Quad members to take the necessary steps to make the Quad CTWG a more resilient, robust, and action-oriented Working Group.  He thanked Quad member countries for showing solidarity and extending support to India following the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack.

The meeting was led by senior officials in charge of counterterrorism.  Dr. Vinod Bahade, Joint Secretary for Counter Terrorism, Ministry of External Affairs of India; Ms. Gemma Huggins, Ambassador for Counter Terrorism, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia; Mr. Minami Hiroyuki, Ambassador in-charge of International Cooperation for Countering Terrorism and International Organized Crime of Japan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Ms. Monica Jacobsen, Senior Bureau Official for the United States Department of State Counterterrorism Bureau, led their respective delegations.

Quad partners unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism.  They also expressed their condolences for the heinous terror attack on 10 November 2025 near the Red Fort in Delhi.  They called for the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice and urged all UN Member States to cooperate in doing so.

During the meeting, the Quad member countries exchanged assessments on the terrorism threat landscape, including developments in the Indo-Pacific region.  They discussed the full spectrum of counterterrorism cooperation and measures that could be used to address the existing and emerging challenges.  They underscored the importance of ensuring that the Indo-Pacific remains open and free from the threats of terrorism.

During the meeting, a Tabletop Exercise (TTx) on “Counter Terrorism Operations in the Urban Environment” was conducted.  The TTx provided an opportunity for CT experts to share their best practices and identify potential opportunities for joint operational preparedness to respond to complex terrorist scenarios.

Quad partners reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in multilateral fora.  They also emphasized the value of continued information sharing on terrorists, terrorist organizations, and their proxies.

In September 2025, India hosted two Quad CTWG workshops on countering the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for terrorist purposes and on preventing terrorist exploitation of new and emerging technologies for terror financing.  These workshops were organized by the National Security Guard and the National Investigation Agency respectively in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

Quad partners committed to further deepening counterterrorism cooperation within the Quad framework and to convene the next meeting of the Quad Counter Terrorism Working Group in 2026.

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October 11, New Delhi: Good evening, It’s an honor and a privilege to be here today. I arrived from Washington to New Delhi early this morning and we hit the ground running. We had a great series of meetings including with Foreign Secretary Misri, with External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar and with National Security Advisor Doval. And we just finished an incredible meeting with Prime Minister Modi where we discussed bilateral issues including defense, trade, and technology. We also discussed the importance of critical minerals to both of our nations.

The U.S. values its relationship with India and under the strong leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Modi, I am optimistic about the days ahead for both of our nations. President Trump considers Prime Minister Modi a great and personal friend. In fact, just before I left for New Delhi, they had an incredible phone call and that is something that will continue over the weeks and months ahead.

Once again, it’s an honor to serve as President Donald Trump’s Ambassador to India and I look forward to this very important relationship and continuing to grow and deepen the relationship between our two nations. Thank you very much.

U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Michael J. Rigas will travel to India from October 9 to October 14. Ambassador Gor and Deputy Secretary Rigas will meet with Indian government counterparts to discuss a wide range of bilateral issues. The United States will continue to work with India to strengthen our strategic partnership and promote a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

October 10, New Delhi: On September 30, 2025, the Department of War released a list of standard contract announcements, which referred to an amendment to an existing Foreign Military Sales contract for sustainment and spares for several countries, including Pakistan. The Administration would like to emphasize that contrary to false media reports, no part of this referenced contract modification is for deliveries of new Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Pakistan. The sustainment does not include an upgrade to any of Pakistan’s current capabilities.

The Department of War has since addressed the misinterpretation here: https://www.war.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4319114/.

Treasury Sanctions Indian Nationals and Online Pharmacy for Supplying Counterfeit Fentanyl-Laden Pills

Pharmacies Pose as Legitimate Operations to Deceive Buyers

WASHINGTON, September 24,2025 — Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned two Indian nationals, Sadiq Abbas Habib Sayyed and Khizar Mohammad Iqbal Shaikh, for their role in collectively supplying hundreds of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills filled with fentanyl and other illicit drugs to victims across the United States.  OFAC is also designating one India-based online pharmacy for its role in these criminal operations.

“Too many families have been torn apart by fentanyl. Today, we are acting to hold accountable those who profit from this poison,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley. “Treasury will continue to advance President Trump’s commitment to Make America Fentanyl Free by targeting drug traffickers.”

Fentanyl has been the primary driver of the synthetic opioid crisis, which is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans.  Opioid overdose remains the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45.  Under the U.S.-India Drug Policy Framework, the United States and India continue to work together to fight the devastating impact of illicit drugs and to put an end to the global drug threat by combating drug trafficking, improving public health, and strengthening global supply chains.

Today’s action was taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059, which targets the international proliferation of illicit drugs and their means of production.  Today’s action was coordinated with the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

ROLE OF ONLINE PHARMACIES IN THE GLOBAL ILLICIT DRUG TRADE

In the last few years, online suppliers of controlled substances, including from India, have contributed to the fentanyl crisis by supplying illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, as well as related precursor chemicals, to the United States.  Separately, Mexican cartels acquire precursor chemicals from these online suppliers for use in their clandestine fentanyl laboratories.

Today’s action spotlights the role of illegal online pharmacies, some of which are based in India, that are responsible for supplying counterfeit pills to individuals worldwide, including U.S. consumers.  These pills frequently resemble brand name and generic medication. U.S. consumers, believing they are purchasing from legitimate pharmacies, fall victim to the dangerous operations of these deceptive pharmacies.  Instead of delivering the safe products they are marketing to buyers, these illegal online pharmacies work with drug traffickers to fulfill orders with counterfeit pills, which are often laced with illicit synthetic drugs.

On October 4, 2024, the DEA issued a warning about the dangers of online pharmacies, stating it has seen an increase in illegal online pharmacies selling and shipping counterfeit pills made with fentanyl and methamphetamine to unsuspecting customers in the United States who believe they are purchasing real pharmaceutical drugs such as Oxycodone, Adderall, Xanax, and other drugs from legitimate pharmacies.

SANCTIONING INDIAN DRUG TRAFFICKERS

Based in India, Sadiq Abbas Habib Sayyed (Sayyed) and Khizar Mohammed Iqbal Shaikh (Shaikh) worked with Dominican Republic- and U.S.-based narcotics traffickers to sell counterfeit pills to Americans.  Sayyed and Shaikh marketed and sold these pills as discounted, legitimate pharmaceutical products, which were instead filled with illicit drugs like fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, and methamphetamine.  Both Sayyed and Shaikh have used encrypted messaging platforms to conduct their illegal business and market their product to victims.  Sayyed and Shaikh were previously indicted in September 2024 on narcotics-related charges by a federal grand jury sitting in the Southern District of New York.

In addition, Shaikh is the owner of KS International Traders (a.k.a. “KS Pharmacy”), a purported online pharmacy used in furtherance of Shaikh’s criminal activities.  Even after being exposed for his criminal activity in in DOJ’s 2024 indictment, Shaikh continues to operate KS International Traders.

A screenshot from KS International Traders’ website, indicating their sale of pharmaceutical products, months after the date of the unsealing of the DOJ indictment in 2024

Sayyed and Shaikh are being sanctioned today pursuant to E.O. 14059 for having engaged in, or attempted to engage in, activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a significant risk of materially contributing to, the international proliferation of illicit drugs or their means of production.

KS International Traders is being sanctioned today pursuant to E.O. 14059 for being owned, controlled, or directed by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Shaikh.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC.  In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.  Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons.

Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons.  OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis.  OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC’s enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities involving designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC’s ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law.  The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior.  For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, or to submit a request, please refer to OFAC’s guidance on Filing a Petition for Removal from an OFAC List.

Click here for more information on the persons designated today.

Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly High-level Week.

Secretary Rubio, reiterating that India is a relationship of critical importance to the United States, expressed his appreciation for the Indian government’s continued engagement on a number of issues including trade, defense, energy, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and other items related to the bilateral relationship.

Secretary Rubio and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar agreed the United States and India will continue working together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including through the Quad.

U.S. Visa Revocations for Indian Company Executives and Family Members for Involvement in Trafficking Fentanyl Precursors

New Delhi, September 18, 2025:  In furtherance to the Trump Administration’s efforts to keep Americans safe from dangerous synthetic narcotics, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has revoked and subsequently denied visas for certain business executives and corporate leadership based on involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors.

These actions are taken pursuant to section 221(i), section 212(a)(2)(C), and 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.  As a result of this decision, these individuals and close family members may be ineligible for travel to the United States.  The Embassy is further flagging executives connected with companies known to have trafficked fentanyl precursors for heightened scrutiny if and when they apply for U.S. visas.

“The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi remains steadfast in its commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking.  Individuals and organizations involved in the illegal production and trafficking of drugs to the United States, along with their families, will face consequences that may include being denied access to the United States,” affirmed Chargé d’affaires Jorgan Andrews.

Stopping the flow of fentanyl, including its precursors, to the United States is one of our top priorities.  We are grateful to our counterparts in the Government of India for their close cooperation to combat this shared challenge.  Only by working together will our two governments address this transnational threat and keep both our people safe from illicit drugs.

The Trump Administration has already taken critical steps to confront this crisis through a series of Executive Orders that secure our borders, combat drug trafficking organizations, and demand reform by source countries from which illicit drugs and precursor chemicals flow into the United States.

Together, we will build a safer, healthier, stronger future for America and India.