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Sen.Cardin approves sale of MQ-9 drones to India
The deal is set to provide a political stability in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region.
: The MQ-9 drone that US will supply India, with a deal set at $3.99 billion. / Wikimedia Commons
United States Senator Ben Cardin, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, approved the sale of MQ-9 drones to India. The sale valued at $3.99 billion has also been notified to the Congress by the US State Department.
Sen. Cardin’s approval comes after the committee had thorough discussions with the Biden administration regarding the steps taken by India to address recent allegations of transnational repression involving a murder-for-hire plot against an American citizen, and Khalistani activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
“While I’m fully aware of the significance of this sale for U.S. national security and strategic interests, I have consistently conveyed my concerns regarding the timing of this sale to administration officials in light of the alleged murder-for-hire plot involving Indian officials to attempt to assassinate an American citizen on U.S. soil,” a statement from the Senator read.
“I have been assured by the Administration that the Indian government is committed to thoroughly investigating the situation and fully cooperating with the U.S. Department of Justice investigation so that there is credible accountability in this case. As the Chairman of this committee, I fully intend to hold the Administration to these commitments,” Sen. Cardin said.
The Senator further emphasized the significance of the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship for political stability in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region. “I support deepening our bilateral relationship with India as long as that partnership is based on mutual trust and respect. Championing human rights and democratic values globally is one of my top priorities,” he asserted.
The proposed sale includes thirty-one MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft along with a comprehensive suite of related equipment. The principal contractor for this sale is California-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. While the estimated dollar value is $3.99 billion, the actual value may vary based on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreements.
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