India, Oct. 15 -- Shock and disbelief spread in Washington DC's policy circles on Tuesday after the US government accused foreign policy expert Ashley Tellis of unlawfully holding classified national security documents. Law enforcement authorities stated that Tellis, who has been arrested , repeatedly met Chinese officials over the last four years and could face a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

"We are aware of the allegations against Ashley Tellis. He is now on administrative leave, including from his role as Tata Chair for Strategic Affairs," said Katelynn Vogt, vice president for communications, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

"When I first saw the news, I thought that it just couldn't be rig...