Indian-American Strategist Charged with Holding National Defense Information

Washington, Oct 15 (PTI) - Ashley J Tellis, a well-regarded Indian-American strategist in international affairs, has been charged with unlawfully holding national defense information in the US.

Tellis, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, is known for his expertise in international security and defense, as well as Asian strategic matters.

The US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced that Tellis, 64, was arrested over the weekend in Vienna, Virginia, on these charges.

According to US Attorney Lindsey Halligan, the accusations present a serious threat to national security, as her office focuses on safeguarding Americans from various threats.

If Tellis is convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison, alongside a potential fine of up to USD 250,000, a USD 100 special assessment, and forfeiture as indicated in the official statement.

Justice is to be served based on clear facts and law, with a federal district judge determining any subsequent sentence in accordance with the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory considerations.

Having been born in Mumbai and educated at the University of Chicago, Tellis is noted for his extensive writings and advisory roles on defense and Asia policy.

In his career, he notably contributed to the pivotal India-US civil nuclear agreement during George W Bush's presidency, which significantly advanced bilateral relations.

Previously a member of the US Foreign Service, Tellis served as a senior adviser at the US Embassy in New Delhi and worked with the National Security Council staff during the Bush administration.

An FBI affidavit highlights several instances over the past month where Tellis reportedly printed classified documents concerning US military aircraft capabilities from government computers. Surveillance footage allegedly captured him leaving government facilities with a briefcase presumed to contain these documents.

The affidavit also mentions Tellis's meetings with Chinese officials in recent years, including a 2022 dinner where Tellis arrived with a manila folder. Although he left without it, the FBI has not accused him of sharing classified information during these interactions.

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