<h3 data-start="812" data-end="864">US Arrests Indian-Origin Advisor Ashley Tellis</h3>
A top Indian-origin US foreign policy advisor, Ashley Tellis, has been arrested and charged with unlawfully retaining classified national defence documents and allegedly holding multiple meetings with Chinese officials. The 64-year-old, who played a key role in shaping India-US relations, was taken into custody after over 1,000 classified pages were discovered at his Virginia home.
According to the FBI affidavit, Tellis allegedly accessed confidential systems at the US State Department and printed classified documents, including sensitive US Air Force tactics. Surveillance footage reportedly showed him concealing top-secret files inside notepads before leaving a secured facility. He is also accused of renaming and deleting files to cover his digital trail.
<h3 data-start="1647" data-end="1674">Who is Ashley Tellis?</h3>
Born in India, Ashley Tellis has been a senior US State Department advisor since 2001 and is widely regarded as one of Washington&rsquo;s foremost experts on India. He was a key negotiator in the landmark India-US civil nuclear deal under former President George W. Bush, which redefined bilateral relations. Tellis has also served under multiple administrations, including President Donald Trump&rsquo;s, and held roles at the Department of Defense and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Known for his sharp analysis on Indo-Pacific affairs, Tellis often commented on strategic issues involving India, Pakistan, and China. He previously said Trump &ldquo;felt cheated&rdquo; for not receiving credit for mediating the India-Pakistan conflict earlier this year, a statement that drew attention in diplomatic circles.
Alleged Chinese Connection
Court documents reveal that Tellis met Chinese government officials several times between September 2022 and September 2025. During one meeting in Fairfax, Virginia, he was reportedly seen carrying a manila envelope that &ldquo;did not appear&rdquo; to be in his possession when he left. Conversations between Tellis and Chinese counterparts allegedly touched upon US-Pakistan ties and Iran-China relations.
The US Justice Department said Tellis poses &ldquo;a grave risk to national security.&rdquo; If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. His arrest has sent ripples through Washington&rsquo;s diplomatic and security circles, given his stature as a bridge between Indian and American strategic establishments.

US Arrests Indian-Origin Advisor Ashley Tellis

US foreign policy expert Ashley Tellis charged for retaining secret documents, China links

US Arrests Indian-Origin Advisor Ashley Tellis

US foreign policy expert Ashley Tellis charged for retaining secret documents, China links

October 15, 2025 | 14:43 IST