Indian-Origin Defence Expert Ashley Tellis Placed on Leave Amid FBI Investigation

Ashley J. Tellis, a prominent Indian-origin defence and foreign policy expert, has been placed on administrative leave by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace following his arrest by the FBI. The scholar, widely recognized for his expertise in South Asian security and US-India relations, is now under investigation for allegedly retaining classified US defence documents.

Court filings suggest that Tellis, a US citizen originally from India, may have improperly accessed and removed sensitive materials from government offices. The documents reportedly included national defence-related information. Additionally, authorities allege he had undisclosed interactions with Chinese officials during which classified material may have been shared.

The Carnegie Endowment, a leading Washington think tank, stated it is cooperating with authorities and confirmed that Tellis will not be involved in ongoing research or public engagements during the investigation. “We are taking the matter very seriously and have placed Mr. Tellis on administrative leave while the investigation continues,” said a spokesperson.

Tellis has a long-standing career in US policy circles, including senior roles in the Bush administration and contributions to major US-India strategic initiatives. Legal experts note that if convicted, he could face significant penalties, including prison time and fines, reflecting the seriousness of charges related to mishandling classified information.

The case has sent shockwaves across the policy community, highlighting the sensitive balance between international engagement and national security for think tanks and policy experts.