Indian-American strategist arrested on charges of retaining classified US documents

Ashley J Tellis, a foreign policy expert and defence analyst of Indian descent, has been arrested and indicted for the unauthorised retention of sensitive national defence information, as announced by the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

The 64-year-old scholar, who holds the position of senior fellow and Tata Chair for Strategic Affairs at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, was detained over the weekend after a federal probe into his management of confidential government documents. Authorities claim Tellis contravened 18 USC § 793(e), a statute that bars the improper holding or keeping of defence-related records.

The ongoing inquiry also encompasses accusations that Tellis extracted classified files from protected facilities and engaged in discussions with Chinese representatives.

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In a formal statement, US Attorney Lindsey Halligan described the purported actions as presenting "a serious threat to the well-being and protection of our nation's people."

Should Tellis be found guilty, he could receive a maximum sentence of 10 years behind bars, a USD 250,000 penalty, and the surrender of any seized items. Officials reminded the public that the charges constitute formal allegations only, and Tellis is considered innocent unless evidence proves otherwise.

Tellis stands out as a leading voice in Washington on matters of South Asian security and bilateral ties between the United States and India, blending academia with practical policymaking. His government tenure includes advising the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, where he was instrumental in brokering the landmark US-India Civil Nuclear Deal.

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Additionally, he acted as special assistant to President George W. Bush on the National Security Council, overseeing strategic planning and Southwest Asia affairs.

Prior to these roles, Tellis contributed as a senior policy researcher and educator at the RAND Corporation. His prolific publications feature titles like Striking Asymmetries: Nuclear Transitions in Southern Asia and Revising US Grand Strategy Toward China. He belongs to elite organisations such as the Council on Foreign Relations and the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

US news outlets reported that the investigation extends to Tellis's purported contacts with Chinese authorities amid professional and scholarly engagements.