Indian-Origin Defense Expert Ashley Tellis Placed on Leave by US Think Tank Following FBI Arrest for Classified Information

Ashley Tellis, a prominent Indian-origin scholar renowned for his expertise in South Asian security and US-India relations, has been placed on administrative leave by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace following his arrest by the FBI. The arrest stems from allegations of unlawfully retaining classified information and suspected meetings with Chinese officials.

Katelynn Vogt, vice president of communications for the prestigious US-based think tank, confirmed to NDTV on Wednesday: "We are aware of the allegations against Ashley J Tellis. He is now on administrative leave, including from his role as Tata Chair for Strategic Affairs."

Court documents reveal that Tellis serves as an unpaid adviser to the US State Department and works as a Pentagon contractor. The US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced on Tuesday that "Tellis, 64, of Vienna, VA, was arrested over the weekend in Vienna, Virginia, and charged by criminal complaint with the unlawful retention of national defence information."

US Attorney Lindsey Halligan emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that "the charges as alleged in this case represent a grave risk to the safety and security of our citizens." She further noted that her office remains "fully focused on protecting the American people from all threats, foreign and domestic."

The 64-year-old scholar, who was taken into custody on Saturday, potentially faces up to 10 years of imprisonment and a substantial fine of up to $250,000 if convicted.

According to an FBI affidavit, Tellis was observed entering Defense and State Department buildings in September and October. Investigators documented him printing classified materials, including documents concerning military aircraft, before departing with these materials in a leather bag.

The affidavit further details multiple meetings between Tellis and People's Republic of China government officials at a restaurant. During one such meeting last month, Tellis reportedly arrived with a manila envelope that was no longer in his possession when he left. On two separate occasions, the Chinese officials were observed presenting him with a gift bag.

Tellis, originally from India and now a naturalized US citizen, previously held significant positions during the administration of former President George W. Bush. He played a pivotal role in negotiating the landmark civil nuclear deal between the United States and India, which substantially strengthened bilateral relations between the two democracies.