US Senator Ben Cardin Ends Objection to $3.9 Billion Drone Deal with India Following Assurance on Assassination Plot Investigation

Defense News ,India :- In a significant development, Senator Ben Cardin, Chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has withdrawn his objection to the USD 3.9 billion drone deal with India. The decision comes after months of meticulous discussions with the Biden administration, which provided assurances regarding New Delhi's commitment to investigating an alleged plot to assassinate a Khalistani separatist on American soil.

Following Senator Cardin's approval, the State Department officially notified Congress that the US Government has given the green light to sell 31 armed drones to India at an estimated cost of USD 3.9 billion.

On Thursday, the US approved the sale of 31 MQ-9B armed drones to India, a move expected to enhance India's capabilities in addressing current and future threats. The acquisition will enable unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in vital sea lanes of operation.

Under the terms of the deal, India will receive 31 High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs. The Navy is set to acquire 15 SeaGuardian drones, while the Army and the Indian Air Force will each receive eight of the land version - SkyGuardian.

Senator Cardin, a Democrat, emphasized that his approval of the deal hinged on the Biden administration's assurance of India's commitment to a thorough investigation and full cooperation with the US Department of Justice's probe into the alleged Indian connection to the foiled plot to kill separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

The investigation, revealed in an unsealed indictment in November of the previous year, charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta with collaborating with an Indian government employee in the foiled plot to assassinate Pannun, who holds dual US and Canadian citizenships, on American soil.

Chairman Cardin, 80, declared, "As the Chairman of this committee, I fully intend to hold the Administration to these commitments." He highlighted that his approval was the result of months of careful discussions with the Biden administration, expressing awareness of the deal's significance for US national security and strategic interests.

While supporting the importance of the US-India partnership in Indo-Pacific stability, including through mechanisms like the Quad, Cardin stressed the need for mutual trust and respect in the partnership. He affirmed his commitment to championing human rights and democratic values globally, adding that difficult discussions on these issues are essential for the growth and longevity of the partnership.

Looking ahead, Senator Cardin asserted his determination to continue addressing human rights issues with the Administration and Indian counterparts, emphasizing the fundamental role of shared values in the growth and longevity of the partnership.