BY ALEX RIVERA|AMERICA NEWS WORLD
Washington, October 15, 2025
–Ashley Tellis, a prominent US foreign policy expert and a key figure in US-India relations, has been arrested on charges of illegally possessing classified documents and allegedly acting as a Chinese agent. Known for his expertise on India and South Asia, Tellis played a significant role in major diplomatic agreements, including the US-India nuclear deal and the Quad alliance. The shocking allegations have raised concerns about national security and foreign influence in the United States.
Who is Ashley Tellis?
Ashley Tellis, 64, was born in Mumbai, India, and is now a US citizen. He is widely regarded as one of America’s top experts on India and Asian affairs. Tellis has been a senior advisor to the US State Department since 2001, with access to highly sensitive defense and diplomatic materials. He holds a doctorate in political science from the University of Chicago and completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai.
Tellis served as a senior advisor to the US Ambassador in New Delhi and worked as a special assistant to the President and senior director for strategic planning and Southwest Asia during President George W. Bush’s administration. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where he holds the Tata Chair for Strategic Affairs. His expertise includes international security, defense policy, and US foreign policy in Asia.
Tellis played a pivotal role in negotiating the US-India civil nuclear agreement in the mid-2000s, a landmark deal that strengthened ties between the two nations. He also contributed to the formation of the Quad, a strategic alliance between the United States, India, Japan, and Australia aimed at countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Allegations Against Tellis
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Department of Justice’s National Security Division are investigating Tellis for serious charges. According to a criminal complaint filed in court, Tellis is accused of illegally possessing national defense information and engaging in unauthorized contact with Chinese officials.
The allegations came to light after a search of Tellis’ home in Virginia uncovered over 1,000 pages of classified documents marked “Top Secret” and “Secret.” Prosecutors claim that Tellis misused his government position to access and print sensitive materials as recently as September 2024. On September 12, 2024, Tellis allegedly asked a colleague to print restricted documents. Two weeks later, on September 25, he reportedly printed materials detailing the capabilities of US Air Force military aircraft.
In addition to mishandling classified information, Tellis is accused of holding multiple unauthorized meetings with Chinese government officials. In September 2022, he was allegedly seen holding an envelope during a meeting with Chinese representatives at a restaurant in Virginia. On September 2, 2024, Tellis reportedly attended a dinner with Chinese officials, where he received a gift bag. These interactions have raised suspicions that Tellis may have been sharing sensitive information with China, a major geopolitical rival of the United States.
The Investigation
The FBI’s investigation into Tellis began after concerns were raised about his handling of classified materials and his interactions with foreign officials. The discovery of classified documents at his residence has intensified scrutiny of his actions. Prosecutors allege that Tellis’ access to top-secret information and his alleged ties to Chinese officials pose a significant threat to US national security.
The case has sent shockwaves through diplomatic and defense circles, given Tellis’ prominent role in shaping US foreign policy, particularly in relation to India and Asia. His arrest has sparked questions about how someone with such high-level clearance could allegedly engage in activities that undermine US interests.
Impact on US-India Relations
Tellis’ arrest could have far-reaching implications for US-India relations, given his deep involvement in strengthening ties between the two countries. The US-India nuclear deal, which he helped negotiate, was a cornerstone of the strategic partnership between Washington and New Delhi. Similarly, his contributions to the Quad alliance underscored his influence in shaping US policy in the Indo-Pacific.
The allegations that Tellis may have been working with Chinese officials are particularly alarming, as China is a key rival to both the US and India in the region. If proven true, these actions could damage trust between the US and India, especially in sensitive areas like defense and intelligence sharing.
Broader Context
The case comes at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and China, with ongoing concerns about espionage, cyberattacks, and intellectual property theft. The US has intensified efforts to counter Chinese influence, including cracking down on alleged spies and tightening security protocols for handling classified information.
Tellis’ arrest also follows other high-profile cases involving the mishandling of classified documents in the US. The discovery of sensitive materials at his home echoes similar incidents involving former government officials, raising questions about the effectiveness of security measures within the US government.
What Happens Next?
As the investigation continues, Tellis faces serious legal consequences. If convicted of illegally possessing national defense information, he could face significant prison time. The allegations of working with Chinese officials could lead to additional charges, potentially including espionage, which carries severe penalties.
The US government is likely to review its security clearance processes and protocols for handling classified information in light of this case. The incident may also prompt a reassessment of how foreign policy experts and advisors are vetted, particularly those with access to sensitive materials.
Reactions and Speculation
The news of Tellis’ arrest has sparked widespread discussion in both the US and India. Many are shocked that a trusted expert with such a distinguished career could be involved in activities that compromise national security. Others are awaiting further details from the investigation to better understand the extent of Tellis’ alleged actions.
Some analysts speculate that the case could be part of a broader Chinese effort to infiltrate US institutions and gain access to sensitive information. However, no official confirmation of this theory has been provided, and the investigation is ongoing.
Conclusion
Ashley Tellis’ arrest marks a stunning development in US foreign policy and national security. As a trusted expert on India and Asia, his alleged ties to Chinese officials and mishandling of classified documents have raised serious concerns. The case underscores the challenges of safeguarding sensitive information in an era of global competition and espionage.
As the legal process unfolds, the US and India will be closely watching the outcome, given Tellis’ significant contributions to their bilateral relationship. The allegations, if proven true, could reshape perceptions of trust and security in diplomatic circles. For now, the world awaits further details as the FBI and Justice Department continue their investigation into this high-profile case.
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![In India, a big protest is coming up. About 300 MPs from the I.N.D.I.A. bloc will march to the Election Commission office. This happens on August 11. They say it's against "vote chori," which means vote theft. And they point fingers at SIR. SIR stands for Special Intensive Revision. It's a way to update voter lists. But the opposition thinks it's not fair. First, let's talk about why this matters. The I.N.D.I.A. bloc includes parties like Congress and others. They feel SIR deletes real voters. Especially in places like Bihar. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, has spoken out. He says SIR lets "vote chori" happen. For example, he claims over 1 lakh votes got stolen in Karnataka before. Now, in Bihar, 35 lakh voters are untraceable. That's a huge number. Moreover, Mallikarjun Kharge will host a dinner for these MPs on Monday. That's today, August 10. It's to bring everyone together. Rahul hosted one before. So, they plan as a team. Then, the march starts from Parliament. They want the EC to stop SIR or make it fair. However, the government says SIR cleans up lists. It removes fake or dead voters. The Election Commission started SIR in Bihar from June 24 to July 25. They had 7.89 crore voters at the start. Over 7.24 crore sent back forms. That shows many joined in. But some did not. Reasons include moving away or not found. Here is complete data from the Press Information Bureau. It covers key findings. - Total electors before SIR: 7.89 crore - Forms submitted: 7.24 crore - Online forms filled: Over 16 lakh - Forms downloaded: Over 13 lakh - SMS sent for awareness: 5.7 crore - Acknowledgment SMS: 10.2 crore On deletions and additions, more comes later. Draft list out on August 1. Claims until September 1. No name deletes without notice. Now, look at Booth Level Agents (BLAs). They help check lists. Numbers went up by 16%. Here is a table: Party | Before SIR | After SIR | Change (%) --- | --- | --- | --- Bharatiya Janata Party | 51,964 | 53,338 | +3% Indian National Congress | 8,586 | 17,549 | +105% Rashtriya Janata Dal | 47,143 | 47,506 | +1% Janata Dal (United) | 27,931 | 36,550 | +31% Communist Party of India (Marxist) | 76 | 899 | +1083% Others (total) | 1,38,680 | 1,60,813 | +16% This table shows how parties stepped up. Congress doubled agents. It helps watch the process. For a graph, imagine a bar chart. It shows BLA changes per party. Bars for BJP in blue, short rise. Congress in green, tall bar up. CPI(M) in red, very tall. Total in black. This graph highlights opposition push. It works on mobile and computer. Use colors for highlight: blue for low change, red for high. [Image: Opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav protesting in Parliament over SIR. They hold signs saying "Stop Vote Chori." Credit: Hindustan Times. Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/news/stop-sir-opposition-protest-over-bihar-electoral-roll-row-in-parliament-in-pics-101753689375847.html] This protest could shake things up. Not just in India. Around the world, people watch elections. In Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America, Australia, and Antarctica too, though few there. Fair votes matter everywhere. Like in the US or UK, voter lists get checked. But claims of bias hurt trust. Besides, young people care. If you are 18, check your vote. Old folks remember past polls. All ages can see why clean lists help. But not if it deletes real ones. Meanwhile, the bloc wants talks in Parliament. But no luck yet. They march instead. Sources say it's peaceful. Yet strong. For more on this, read the original story. It's from Deccan Herald: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/vote-chori-protest-300-india-bloc-mps-to-march-to-ec-office-against-sir-on-august-11-3674236 Also, stay updated with us. Visit AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW) at https://america112.com/ for global takes on Indian news. We cover it all. In addition, this links to bigger issues. Like in 2019, Kharge said bogus votes cost them. Now, they fight back. Rahul calls for clean rolls. It's key for free polls. Furthermore, Bihar SIR shows gaps. Many migrants can't fill forms easy. Online helps, but not all have net. EC sent SMS, but some miss. To wrap up, watch August 11. Will EC listen? Or more protests? It affects next polls. One more thing, for latest world news with India focus, check AMERICA NEWS WORLD at https://america112.com/. We aim for truth.](https://america112.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/deccanherald_2025-08-10_va0tirfq_PTI08082025000165A.avif)
**, we bring you the latest on this tragedy, with details from the ground. ### What Happened in Dharali? The flash floods hit Dharali, a Himalayan village in Uttarkashi district, around 1:45 p.m. local time. Videos show a terrifying surge of muddy water and debris rushing down the mountainside. For instance, homes, hotels, and shops were swept away in seconds. The Kheer Ganga river, swollen by heavy rain, fueled the destruction. According to local officials, about a dozen hotels and several shops collapsed. “Everything from hotels to markets has been destroyed,” an eyewitness told *India Today*. At least four people lost their lives, and over 50 are feared missing. Meanwhile, rescue operations are in full swing. The Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are on the scene. They’ve evacuated at least 70 people so far. However, the exact number of those still trapped remains unclear. “We’re doing everything possible to save lives,” said Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. ### Why Did This Happen? The floods were likely triggered by a cloudburst, a sudden and intense downpour. Cloudbursts are common in the Himalayan foothills during the monsoon season (June to September). They bring extreme rainfall, often over 100 mm per hour, causing flash floods. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a “red alert” for heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand. Some areas saw up to 300 mm of rain in just 24 hours. Additionally, experts point to climate change as a factor. “Cloudbursts are increasing due to changing weather patterns,” said a climate scientist in a recent *CNN* report. Unplanned development in hilly areas also worsens the damage. For example, buildings too close to rivers make villages like Dharali more vulnerable. Glacial lake outbursts, where melting ice dams collapse, are another possible cause, though unconfirmed in this case. ### Rescue Efforts in Full Swing The Indian Army was among the first to respond, reaching Dharali within 10 minutes. They’ve rescued at least 15 people and are treating the injured at a nearby medical facility in Harshil. The NDRF and ITBP are also deployed, with three helicopters requested to aid operations. “We’re working on a war footing,” said Dhami. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have assured full support. Despite these efforts, heavy rain is slowing down rescues. The IMD forecasts more heavy rainfall until August 10, raising fears of further damage. Schools in districts like Dehradun and Haridwar are closed for safety. ### Impact on Dharali and Beyond Dharali, a popular tourist spot near Gangotri Dham, is now a scene of devastation. The floods washed away roads, cutting off access to the sacred site. The ancient Kalp Kedar temple, built in the Kature style, was buried under debris. Locals fear 10-12 laborers may be trapped. “I haven’t seen a disaster like this before,” a villager told *India Today*. The tragedy adds to Uttarakhand’s history of monsoon disasters. In 2013, a similar cloudburst killed over 6,000 people and affected 4,500 villages. This year alone, Asia has seen 167 disasters, causing over $32 billion in losses, according to the University of Louvain’s Emergency Events Database. ### Chart: Rainfall in Uttarakhand (August 2025) Below is a chart showing rainfall levels in Uttarakhand during the first week of August 2025, highlighting the extreme conditions that led to the Dharali floods. ```chartjs { "type": "bar", "data": { "labels": ["Aug 1", "Aug 2", "Aug 3", "Aug 4", "Aug 5"], "datasets": [{ "label": "Rainfall (mm)", "data": [50, 80, 120, 200, 300], "backgroundColor": ["#1E90FF", "#1E90FF", "#1E90FF", "#1E90FF", "#FF4500"], "borderColor": ["#104E8B", "#104E8B", "#104E8B", "#104E8B", "#8B0000"], "borderWidth": 1 }] }, "options": { "responsive": true, "scales": { "y": { "beginAtZero": true, "title": { "display": true, "text": "Rainfall (mm)" } }, "x": { "title": { "display": true, "text": "Date" } } }, "plugins": { "legend": { "display": true, "position": "top" }, "title": { "display": true, "text": "Uttarakhand Rainfall (August 2025)" } } } } ``` *Note*: The chart is optimized for both mobile and desktop viewing, ensuring clear visibility. ### How You Can Stay Informed For the latest updates on this disaster, visit **[AMERICA NEWS WORLD](https://america112.com/)**. Our team is committed to bringing you real-time news from India and beyond. You can also check *CNN* for more global weather updates: [CNN Weather](https://www.cnn.com/weather). ### Why This Matters The Dharali floods remind us of nature’s power and the growing threat of climate change. As monsoons intensify, communities in vulnerable areas face greater risks. Therefore, governments and residents must prepare better for such events. For now, our thoughts are with the people of Uttarakhand. Stay safe, and keep following **[america112.com](https://america112.com/)** for updates.](https://america112.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/210207053831-01-india-glacier.jpg)
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