Latest news with #2025AnnualThreatAssessment
Business Insider
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
Warship captain explains why the military sent his destroyer fresh off the Red Sea fight to the US southern border
The captain of one of three US Navy destroyers that deployed this spring to support the military's southern border mission after spending months battling the Iran-backed Houthis in the Red Sea says his warship was well-suited to both assignments. Amid questions of whether the southern border deployments were overkill, the military acknowledged that it was "a bit unique to deploy a capability of this level for this mission set." But it sent an unmistakable message. Unlike the Red Sea mission, at the southern border, the value of these warfighting ships isn't as much the firepower they bring to a potential fight but rather the capabilities that other vessels lack, such as robust communications and sensor suites, and endurance. Cdr. Jacob Beckelhymer, the commanding officer of USS Stockdale, told Business Insider that the maritime security missions are familiar taskings and "part of the broad set of things that destroyers do." The Stockdale just recently returned to its homeport in San Diego after spending weeks deployed off the coast of southern California in support of US military operations at the southern border. Transnational criminal operations coming out of Mexico were at the top of the US intelligence community's 2025 Annual Threat Assessment, and the Trump administration has made cracking down on maritime criminal activity, from illegal immigration to human and drug trafficking, priorities. In addition to thousands of military personnel, the administration has dispatched a range of military assets to the border area, including the three destroyers that battled the Houthis last year. The Stockdale, like USS Spruance and USS Gravely, had an embarked US Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment for its southern border deployment. These are Coast Guard teams that specialize in law-enforcement operations at sea, such as counterterrorism, counter-piracy, and anti-immigration missions. Arleigh Burke-class destroyers like the Stockdale are equipped with missile tubes that carry a mix of surface-to-air and land-attack munitions and different guns, such as a five-inch deck gun, machine guns, and a Phalanx Close-In Weapons System. This extensive loadout was needed to battle the Houthis, as the Stockdale and other Navy warships routinely came under rebel missile and drone attacks. The warships faced a very different threat environment at the southern border than in the Red Sea. Beckelhymer said Stockdale's weapon system was in a "different configuration" since they didn't expect to be shot at. At the southern border, the emphasis was on other capabilities. "The sensor suite is incredible. My surface radar tracking ability, I think, far exceeds what we normally see, particularly on the smaller Coast Guard cutters," Beckelhymer said. "And then I've also got a much larger team." He touted the ship's combat information center, a multimission room with many monitors that display maps and radars, as an essential tool for monitoring possible smuggling situations and recommending whether it's worth following up. As Henry Ziemer, an Americas Program fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, previously wrote, a destroyer has "powerful sensors and electronics that can be assets for detecting small boats and semisubmersibles used for illicit activities." These ships can also coordinate additional assets, he said, and function as a force multiplier. Beckelhymer said the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter embarked on the Stockdale provides faster air coverage than relying on something from the shore. The helicopter is equipped with a very capable radar and communications suite and can share real-time data and video feed with the destroyer. The captain said the Stockdale is also an endurance platform. The ship can "stay on station considerably longer" and carry more fuel and food. During its deployment, Stockdale served as a command-and-control platform, providing maritime awareness and surveillance to the Coast Guard assets operating in the area. The destroyer played a role in helping them apprehend suspected smuggling vessels, and Beckelhymer's crew saved the lives of mariners who were caught adrift with no food or water on board. Speaking to the missions that his warship has supported, Beckelhymer said "it's really, really humbling to watch young men and women put to action the things that it takes to operate a destroyer at sea in support of priority missions for two separate fleet commanders."
Express Tribune
29-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
US intelligence labels India among major sources of fentanyl precursor chemicals
Listen to article India has emerged as an increasingly significant player in the illicit fentanyl trade, according to a new intelligence report from the United States. This report highlights concerns that are likely to resonate in New Delhi, especially as President Donald Trump uses tariffs to pressure countries he believes are not doing enough to stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times stronger than morphine, is now the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States, contributing heavily to the ongoing opioid crisis. For years, China had been known as the primary supplier of both legal fentanyl for severe pain management and illicit precursor chemicals. However, according to the 2025 Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) report published by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in March 2025, India's role in the illicit trade has been gaining prominence. The ATA report states: "Nonstate groups are often enabled, both directly and indirectly, by state actors, such as China and India, as sources of precursors and equipment for drug traffickers." It goes on to specify that while China remains the primary source of illicit fentanyl precursor chemicals and pill pressing equipment, India has now become the second-largest supplier, a shift that is raising eyebrows in both Washington and New Delhi. Fentanyl precursor chemicals are often processed in laboratories in Mexico before being smuggled into the United States. The report underscores that while China has long been the central source for these substances, India's pharmaceutical industry has increasingly come under scrutiny. India's pharmaceutical sector, one of the largest in the world, supplies a significant portion of the world's vaccines and medicines. The country is often referred to as the "Pharmacy of the World," but the industry has faced criticism for lax regulation and quality control, raising concerns about its potential involvement in the illegal drug trade. On March 17, India's Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in the western state of Gujarat arrested two individuals linked to pharmaceutical companies in Surat for allegedly exporting fentanyl precursors to Mexico and Guatemala. This was followed by the US Department of Justice indicting three top executives from a Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company for allegedly importing ingredients used to make illicit fentanyl. While the Indian government has not issued a public response to the ATA report, the timing of the document is especially delicate for New Delhi, which is currently trying to avoid US tariffs. In 2024, the United States was India's largest trading partner, with nearly $120 billion in trade, although India only ranked tenth on the list of the US's global trading partners. The report's release adds to the complexities in the relationship between India and the United States, potentially intensifying trade tensions and triggering stronger rhetoric or even targeted tariffs. Indian economist and researcher Soumya Bhowmik suggests that the findings of the ATA report "may introduce complexities in India-US relations" and could lead to the imposition of tariffs. This concern is particularly pertinent after the Trump administration earlier this month enacted tariffs on its top three trading partners—China, Mexico, and Canada—to curb the flow of fentanyl into the United States. In February, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Washington, where he held talks with President Trump on various issues, including defense, technology, and trade. Both leaders expressed their commitment to expanding trade and investment to strengthen their nations' economies and create more resilient supply chains. The recent ATA report highlights the critical need for collaboration between the US and India to address the global opioid crisis. Soumya Bhowmik stresses that it is vital for both countries to work together to tackle the fentanyl problem while continuing efforts to mitigate the impact of potential US tariffs on Indian industries. India's proactive measures, including a proposal to eliminate import duties on essential manufacturing goods, have been seen as efforts to reduce the risk of strained trade relations with the US.
CNN
28-03-2025
- Health
- CNN
India among top suppliers of illicit fentanyl precursors, US intelligence report says
India has emerged as a growing player in the illicit fentanyl trade, a new US intelligence report says, a designation likely to raise alarm in New Delhi as President Donald Trump wields tariffs on countries he accuses of not doing enough to stop the deadly drug from flowing into the United States. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that can be 100 times more potent than morphine, is the most common drug involved in overdose deaths in the US – fueling an opioid crisis that has become a high-priority issue for the Trump administration. For many years, China has been the largest source of both legal supplies of the drug – which is prescribed for severe pain relief – and illicit supplies of precursor chemicals that are typically processed in labs in Mexico before the final product is smuggled across the US border. But India's role in the illegal trade is becoming more prominent, according to the 2025 Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) report published by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence this month. 'Nonstate groups are often enabled, both directly and indirectly, by state actors, such as China and India as sources of precursors and equipment for drug traffickers,' the report said. 'China remains the primary source country for illicit fentanyl precursor chemicals and pill pressing equipment, followed by India.' Last year's ATA report named India as among countries other than China where Mexican cartels were sourcing precursor chemicals to a 'lesser extent.' The 2023 report made no mention of India in relation to fentanyl. India is a global leader in generic drug manufacturing, supplying a significant portion of the world's vaccines and medicines. It has a pharmaceutical industry so large, it is often referred to as the 'Pharmacy of the World.' But the industry has been marred by controversy, raising concerns about regulation and quality control. On March 17, India's Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in the western state of Gujarat said it had arrested two people linked to Surat-based pharmaceutical companies for allegedly exporting illicit fentanyl precursors to Mexico and Guatemala, according to the Press Trust of India. CNN has reached out to the ATS. Days later, the US Department of Justice indicted three top executives from a Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company for allegedly importing ingredients used to make illicit fentanyl. New Delhi has not publicly spoken about the ATA report. CNN has contacted India's Ministry of External Affairs for a response. The report comes at a delicate time for India as it mounts a case to avoid US tariffs. The US was India's largest trading partner in 2024, accounting for almost $120 billion in trade, yet India only ranked tenth in the list of US trading partners for the same year. Indian economist and researcher Soumya Bhowmik said the ATA report 'may introduce complexities in India-US relations,' and could 'open the door for tougher rhetoric and potentially even targeted tariffs.' Earlier this month, the Trump administration enacted tariffs against the US' top three trading partners: China, Mexico and Canada, saying the levies of up to 25% were necessary to stem the flow of fentanyl into the US. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Washington in February, where he spoke with Trump about a range of issues from defense and technology to trade and economic growth. The two leaders 'resolved to expand trade and investment to make their citizens more prosperous, nations stronger, economies more innovative and supply chains more resilient,' a joint statement from that meeting said. A Washington delegation is currently in New Delhi for trade talks. India has 'proactively undertaken measures to respond to potential trade tensions and mitigate the impact of impending US tariffs,' said Bhowmik, including a proposal to remove import duties on goods essential for manufacturing. The ATA report also 'highlights the critical importance of collaborative efforts between (the US and India) to address the global opioid crisis,' Bhowmik said.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
India among top suppliers of illicit fentanyl precursors, US intelligence report says
India has emerged as a growing player in the illicit fentanyl trade, a new US intelligence report says, a designation likely to raise alarm in New Delhi as President Donald Trump wields tariffs on countries he accuses of not doing enough to stop the deadly drug from flowing into the United States. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that can be 100 times more potent than morphine, is the most common drug involved in overdose deaths in the US – fueling an opioid crisis that has become a high-priority issue for the Trump administration. For many years, China has been the largest source of both legal supplies of the drug – which is prescribed for severe pain relief – and illicit supplies of precursor chemicals that are typically processed in labs in Mexico before the final product is smuggled across the US border. But India's role in the illegal trade is becoming more prominent, according to the 2025 Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) report published by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence this month. 'Nonstate groups are often enabled, both directly and indirectly, by state actors, such as China and India as sources of precursors and equipment for drug traffickers,' the report said. 'China remains the primary source country for illicit fentanyl precursor chemicals and pill pressing equipment, followed by India.' Last year's ATA report named India as among countries other than China where Mexican cartels were sourcing precursor chemicals to a 'lesser extent.' The 2023 report made no mention of India in relation to fentanyl. India is a global leader in generic drug manufacturing, supplying a significant portion of the world's vaccines and medicines. It has a pharmaceutical industry so large, it is often referred to as the 'Pharmacy of the World.' But the industry has been marred by controversy, raising concerns about regulation and quality control. On March 17, India's Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in the western state of Gujarat said it had arrested two people linked to Surat-based pharmaceutical companies for allegedly exporting illicit fentanyl precursors to Mexico and Guatemala, according to the Press Trust of India. CNN has reached out to the ATS. Days later, the US Department of Justice indicted three top executives from a Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company for allegedly importing ingredients used to make illicit fentanyl. New Delhi has not publicly spoken about the ATA report. CNN has contacted India's Ministry of External Affairs for a response. The report comes at a delicate time for India as it mounts a case to avoid US tariffs. The US was India's largest trading partner in 2024, accounting for almost $120 billion in trade, yet India only ranked tenth in the list of US trading partners for the same year. Indian economist and researcher Soumya Bhowmik said the ATA report 'may introduce complexities in India-US relations,' and could 'open the door for tougher rhetoric and potentially even targeted tariffs.' Earlier this month, the Trump administration enacted tariffs against the US' top three trading partners: China, Mexico and Canada, saying the levies of up to 25% were necessary to stem the flow of fentanyl into the US. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Washington in February, where he spoke with Trump about a range of issues from defense and technology to trade and economic growth. The two leaders 'resolved to expand trade and investment to make their citizens more prosperous, nations stronger, economies more innovative and supply chains more resilient,' a joint statement from that meeting said. A Washington delegation is currently in New Delhi for trade talks. India has 'proactively undertaken measures to respond to potential trade tensions and mitigate the impact of impending US tariffs,' said Bhowmik, including a proposal to remove import duties on goods essential for manufacturing. The ATA report also 'highlights the critical importance of collaborative efforts between (the US and India) to address the global opioid crisis,' Bhowmik said.
CNN
28-03-2025
- Health
- CNN
India among top suppliers of illicit fentanyl precursors, US intelligence report says
India has emerged as a growing player in the illicit fentanyl trade, a new US intelligence report says, a designation likely to raise alarm in New Delhi as President Donald Trump wields tariffs on countries he accuses of not doing enough to stop the deadly drug from flowing into the United States. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that can be 100 times more potent than morphine, is the most common drug involved in overdose deaths in the US – fueling an opioid crisis that has become a high-priority issue for the Trump administration. For many years, China has been the largest source of both legal supplies of the drug – which is prescribed for severe pain relief – and illicit supplies of precursor chemicals that are typically processed in labs in Mexico before the final product is smuggled across the US border. But India's role in the illegal trade is becoming more prominent, according to the 2025 Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) report published by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence this month. 'Nonstate groups are often enabled, both directly and indirectly, by state actors, such as China and India as sources of precursors and equipment for drug traffickers,' the report said. 'China remains the primary source country for illicit fentanyl precursor chemicals and pill pressing equipment, followed by India.' Last year's ATA report named India as among countries other than China where Mexican cartels were sourcing precursor chemicals to a 'lesser extent.' The 2023 report made no mention of India in relation to fentanyl. India is a global leader in generic drug manufacturing, supplying a significant portion of the world's vaccines and medicines. It has a pharmaceutical industry so large, it is often referred to as the 'Pharmacy of the World.' But the industry has been marred by controversy, raising concerns about regulation and quality control. On March 17, India's Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in the western state of Gujarat said it had arrested two people linked to Surat-based pharmaceutical companies for allegedly exporting illicit fentanyl precursors to Mexico and Guatemala, according to the Press Trust of India. CNN has reached out to the ATS. Days later, the US Department of Justice indicted three top executives from a Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company for allegedly importing ingredients used to make illicit fentanyl. New Delhi has not publicly spoken about the ATA report. CNN has contacted India's Ministry of External Affairs for a response. The report comes at a delicate time for India as it mounts a case to avoid US tariffs. The US was India's largest trading partner in 2024, accounting for almost $120 billion in trade, yet India only ranked tenth in the list of US trading partners for the same year. Indian economist and researcher Soumya Bhowmik said the ATA report 'may introduce complexities in India-US relations,' and could 'open the door for tougher rhetoric and potentially even targeted tariffs.' Earlier this month, the Trump administration enacted tariffs against the US' top three trading partners: China, Mexico and Canada, saying the levies of up to 25% were necessary to stem the flow of fentanyl into the US. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Washington in February, where he spoke with Trump about a range of issues from defense and technology to trade and economic growth. The two leaders 'resolved to expand trade and investment to make their citizens more prosperous, nations stronger, economies more innovative and supply chains more resilient,' a joint statement from that meeting said. A Washington delegation is currently in New Delhi for trade talks. India has 'proactively undertaken measures to respond to potential trade tensions and mitigate the impact of impending US tariffs,' said Bhowmik, including a proposal to remove import duties on goods essential for manufacturing. The ATA report also 'highlights the critical importance of collaborative efforts between (the US and India) to address the global opioid crisis,' Bhowmik said.
