US-India Expert Ashley Tellis Charged Over Classified Documents, China Meetings

A prominent American foreign policy expert on India has been charged with unlawfully retaining classified documents. Ashley Tellis was charged in a Virginia court on October 13th. Federal investigators discovered over 1,000 pages of top secret material in his home.

The case involves sensitive national defense information. According to an FBI affidavit, Tellis was also observed in multiple meetings with Chinese government officials.

Details of the Classified Document Discovery

An FBI search of Tellis’s Virginia home on October 11th uncovered the documents. They were marked as top secret and secret. The materials were found in locked filing cabinets, on a desk, and in rubbish bags.

Tellis holds a top secret security clearance. He currently serves as an unpaid senior adviser at the State Department. He also works as a contractor for the Department of Defense.

Alleged Meetings with Chinese Officials

The FBI affidavit details several meetings between Tellis and Chinese officials. These encounters occurred from September 2022 through September 2025. They took place at restaurants in Fairfax, Virginia.

During these dinners, discussions covered Iranian-Chinese relations and artificial intelligence. Conversations also included US-Pakistan relations. At one meeting, Chinese officials gave Tellis a red gift bag.

The charges against Ashley Tellis highlight ongoing concerns about the protection of sensitive government information. This case involves a key figure in US-India relations and raises serious questions about document security protocols. The Ashley Tellis investigation continues to develop.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Ashley Tellis?

Ashley Tellis is a naturalized US citizen born in Mumbai. He is a senior adviser at the State Department and an expert on South Asian affairs. Tellis played a key role in the US-India civil nuclear deal.

What specific charges does he face?

He is charged with unlawfully retaining national defense information. This is a federal offense. The charges stem from documents found at his Virginia residence.

Where were the classified documents found?

Investigators discovered them in his Vienna, Virginia home. They were located in his basement office and a storage room. The documents were in filing cabinets and trash bags.

How significant is this security breach?

The breach involves over 1,000 pages of classified material. This includes documents marked top secret. The case is considered a major security incident.

What was his role in government?

Tellis served as a special assistant to President George W. Bush. He was also a senior adviser to the US ambassador in India. He currently holds a top secret security clearance.

Trusted Sources

Hindustan Times, Federal Bureau of Investigation, US District Court filings