Washington, October 15, 2025. Ashley Tellis, a senior advisor at the US Department of State of Indian origin, was arrested on October 12. According to media reports, he is accused of possessing classified documents related to national security and holding secret meetings with Chinese officials.

More than 1,000 pages of secret documents were found by the FBI at the 64-year-old Tellis’s home in Virginia. If found guilty, he could face 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 (approximately 2 crore rupees).

Tellis’s hearing will be held in a Virginia court. He is unlikely to get bail as the case involves national security.

Allegations – Removed Secret Documents from the Defense Ministry

The FBI says Tellis removed secret papers from the Department of State and the Defense Ministry in September-October 2025. These included Air Force planning, new technologies (such as Artificial Intelligence), and information about military aircraft.

On October 12, the FBI searched Tellis’s home in Virginia. Several secret documents were found there, which were not stored properly. Tellis was planning to travel to Rome with his family that day but was arrested.

Affidavits filed in court state that Tellis was seen exiting a restaurant with an envelope on September 15, 2022, but the envelope was not with him when he left.

During the meeting, he was overheard discussing Iran-China and US-Pakistan relations with Chinese officials. He also received a red bag as a gift from the Chinese officials.

Tellis Had Access to Sensitive Information

Tellis had a ‘Top Secret’ security clearance, which gave him access to sensitive information. However, it has not yet been proven that he handed over any documents to Chinese officials, but the meetings raise suspicions of espionage.

The US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia stated: These charges pose a serious threat to the security of American citizens. We will enforce the law strictly.

Has Been an Advisor at the US Department of State Since 2001

Ashley Tellis, born in Mumbai, is counted among America’s leading defense experts. He has been an advisor at the US Department of State since 2001. He played a key role in the 2008 US-India nuclear agreement, which strengthened relations between the two countries.

Tellis has also worked with former President George W. Bush and current President Donald Trump.

When Trump imposed a 50% tariff on India in August, Tellis spoke to the media. He said that Trump felt he did not receive credit for the India-Pakistan ceasefire.

  • Became an unpaid advisor at the US Department of State in 2001.
  • Worked for the Pentagon’s ‘Office of Net Assessment’ (now ‘Department of War’). This think tank assesses security threats.
  • Senior Fellow holding the ‘Tata Chair’ at the Carnegie think tank.

Ashley Tellis’s case is not just one individual’s legal battle; it is a test of the trust, transparency, and security protocols upon which international and national security policies are based. His Indian origin adds extra focus on how such cases affect bilateral relations, strategic analysis, and public perception of foreign policy.

Washington

Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, was founded in 1790 as a planned city to serve as the nation’s seat of government. It is home to iconic landmarks such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Washington Monument, which reflect its central role in American political history and democratic governance.

Virginia

Virginia is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast, historically significant as the site of the first permanent English settlement in North America at Jamestown in 1607. It played a pivotal role in the early history of the United States, earning the nickname “the birthplace of a nation” for its contributions to American leadership and as a major battleground during the Civil War.

FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the United States’ primary federal law enforcement and domestic intelligence agency. It was established in 1908 as the Bureau of Investigation to investigate federal crimes and has since evolved to also play a major role in counterterrorism and counterintelligence.

Department of State

The United States Department of State is the federal executive department responsible for conducting American foreign policy and international relations. It was established in 1789, making it the first executive department created, and is headed by the Secretary of State. Its duties include advising the President, representing the U.S. abroad, and negotiating treaties and agreements.

Defense Ministry

The Ministry of Defense is a key government department responsible for a nation’s military and defense policy. Historically, such ministries evolved from older structures like war departments, becoming comprehensive bodies that oversee the army, navy, and air force. Its primary role is to ensure national security and manage the armed forces.

Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, was founded in the 8th century BC and grew to become the epicenter of the vast Roman Empire. It is renowned for its ancient ruins such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum, as well as its profound influence on law, politics, and architecture. Today, it remains a major global city and a treasure trove of art and history, also hosting Vatican City, the center of the Catholic Church.

Iran

Iran is a country with a rich cultural heritage spanning thousands of years, home to one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations. It was the heart of the ancient Persian Empire and is renowned for its significant contributions to art, literature, and science throughout history. Today, Iran features numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the majestic ruins of Persepolis and the stunning Islamic architecture of Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan Square.

China

China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over four millennia marked by successive dynasties, imperial rule, and profound philosophical contributions like Confucianism. In the modern era, it has transformed into a major global power, blending its ancient traditions with rapid technological and economic development. Its vast landscape encompasses everything from megacities like Beijing and Shanghai to historic landmarks such as the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army.