The growing trade in fentanyl precursors has stirred tensions between India and the United States, threatening diplomatic relations as Washington demands stricter controls.

US officials have expressed concern that India remains a key node in the global supply chain for fentanyl chemical ingredients, which can be used to manufacture potent synthetic opioids.  India, in response, says its law enforcement agencies are collaborating with US counterparts to disrupt these illicit flows.

Despite mutual cooperation, the issue has become a sore point in bilateral relations. The US has pushed India to impose more robust export restrictions, regulatory oversight and penalties to stem precursor shipments to unscrupulous buyers.  India counters that it already maintains a framework for controlling the trade, but acknowledges enforcement gaps, especially across porous international channels.