US Adviser Ashley Tellis, Born In India, Faces Probe For Alleged China Links And Secret Leak | World News

Ashley Tellis, an Indian-born senior advisor to the U.S. State Department, was arrested and charged with unlawfully retaining classified defense information. The lawsuit was filed Oct. 13 in a federal court in Virginia.

Investigators allege Tellis had sensitive national defense records that he was not authorized to keep, according to court documents reviewed by Hindustan Times. The affidavit also alleges that he held numerous undisclosed meetings with officials affiliated with the Chinese government, raising serious security concerns.

Who is Ahsley Tellis?

Ashley J. Tellis, 64, was born in India and has become one of the U.S. State Department’s most influential strategic voices. He has served as a consultant since 2001 and works closely with many administrations in Washington.

During George W. Bush’s presidency, Tellis played a pivotal role in negotiating the landmark 2008 U.S.-India civil nuclear agreement, which reshaped bilateral ties and marked a major shift in diplomatic relations between the two countries. He later went on to hold senior positions in the administration of President Donald Trump, strengthening his position as a key figure in shaping US policy on India.

The civil nuclear deal is still seen as a defining moment that brought the world’s two largest democracies into a closer strategic partnership.

Inside the Case Against Ashley Tellis

The affidavit filed against Ashley Tellis in a Virginia court includes numerous charges, including unlawful retention of national defense information, a serious federal crime. Investigators allege Tellis held several meetings with Chinese government officials at restaurants in Fairfax, Virginia, between September 2022 and September 2025.

In an incident dated September 15, 2022, Tellis is stated to have entered a restaurant carrying a manila envelope that was no longer with him when he left. He was heard discussing sensitive topics, including U.S.-Pakistan relations and relations between Iran and China, according to the document. He was also seen receiving a red gift bag from visiting officials.

Describing the issue as extremely serious, US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Lindsey Halligan, said that the allegations pose “a serious risk to the safety and security of our citizens”, according to AFP.

If convicted, Tellis faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine under U.S. federal law.