• Ashley Tellis, a US adviser on India, arrested for hoarding classified documents and ties with Chinese officials.
• Over 1,000 pages of top-secret material retrieved from Tellis's residence during an FBI search.
• Legal consequences could include up to 10 years in prison and substantial fines.
• Tellis has previously been critical of US-India relations and has worked closely with the US government.

Ashley Tellis, a prominent Indian-origin national security expert and government adviser, was arrested for unlawfully retaining classified national defense information and allegedly meeting with Chinese officials, according to Source Name, Channel News Asia, and BBC.

Tellis, who has held significant roles in US foreign policy, particularly related to India, was found to have over a thousand pages of classified documents, several marked "Top Secret," stored improperly in his home. This was revealed through a criminal affidavit following a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) search conducted on October 10, 2025. Reports indicate that he engaged in suspicious activities such as asking colleagues to print classified documents and removing them from secure locations, as detailed in statements from Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

In addition to document retention, the affidavit reported instances where Tellis dined with Chinese officials in Virginia, which raised further suspicions about his conduct. Notably, surveillance captured him meeting with these officials, during which he was seen arriving and leaving with a manila envelope, indicating a possible transfer of materials. Specific instances of these meetings occurred in September 2022 and earlier this month, as highlighted by Channel News Asia and BBC.

Tellis faces serious charges, with potential penalties including up to ten years in federal prison and a fine reaching $250,000 if convicted. As reported by BBC and Al Jazeera, US authorities view the allegations as a significant threat to national security, prompting a thorough investigation by the Justice Department.

Despite these allegations, Tellis’s legal representatives have stated their intent to contest the charges vigorously, asserting his status as a respected scholar and policy advisor. According to India Times, his counsel emphasized their confidence in presenting counter-evidence during the upcoming hearings.

Tellis has been influential in shaping US-India relations, having played a pivotal role in the negotiation of the 2008 civil nuclear agreement during the George W. Bush administration. However, he has also been a critical voice regarding India's foreign policy in recent years, as detailed by sources like Al Jazeera and BBC.