<p>The invasive small hive beetle (SHB) (<i>Aethina tumida</i> Murray) has been extending its geographical range globally. It was first reported from West Bengal, India, in 2022 and has further spread to the states of Andhra Pradesh and Assam. Despite the invasiveness of SHB, its origin remained unexplored, and little is known about its distribution and effects on the bee colonies. The present study summarizes a possible single introduction event of SHB to India from Bangladesh and its occurrence and spread to other Indian states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. Initial infestation was noted in Muzaffarpur district, Bihar, in October 2023, with subsequent spread to neighboring states. A total of 4, 575 bee colonies were surveyed, of which 1119 <i>Apis mellifera</i> L. and 16 <i>A. cerana</i> F. colonies were infested. Bihar had a significantly higher infestation rate than Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the SHB from India clustered within a single sub-clade, indicating the absence of genetic variation. Both adults and grubs significantly weakened the colonies by reducing the bee population. The severity of infestation mostly occurred from July to November. Migratory beekeeping was identified as a major factor in SHB spread, with seasonal movements across Bihar and neighboring states accelerating its spread. Beekeepers employed various control measures, including sulfur, thymol, boric acid and cultural practices like hive cleaning, which reduced beetle numbers but did not achieve eradication. This highlights the urgent need for systematic monitoring and regulation of migratory beekeeping, along with the development of integrated management strategies to prevent further spread.</p>