After the United States State Department officially informed Congress about a foreign military sale of MQ-9B drones to India, the Chair of the US Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee, Ben Cardin, released a statement on Friday, February 2, 2024, expressing approval of the deal. This comes amidst concerns related to the Gurpatwant Singh Pannun murder-for-hire plot allegedly involving Indian government officials.
So, what does this development mean?
Sources suggest that clearance from the US Congress is imminent, paving the way for India’s Defence Ministry to receive a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from its US counterpart. The LoA is a crucial step preceding price negotiation. Out of the 31 Predators sought by India, the navy is set to receive the majority, with 15, while the rest will be distributed between the army and air force.
The expected cost of the Predators is approximately $3 billion. As previously reported by Financial Express Online, 11 of them will be procured off the shelf, and the rest will be assembled domestically. The government aims for a 15-20 percent technology transfer, encompassing engines, radar processor units, avionics, sensors, and software.
Cardin’s Statement on the Matter
In his statement, Cardin acknowledged the significance of the sale for US national security and strategic interests. However, he expressed consistent concerns about the timing of the deal, given the alleged murder-for-hire plot involving Indian officials targeting an American citizen on US soil. Cardin highlighted assurances from the administration regarding India’s commitment to a thorough investigation and full cooperation with the US Department of Justice, ensuring credible accountability in the case.
Controversial Reports and Congressional Support
While there were reports in a section of the media suggesting that the US Congress had initially blocked the deal due to concerns over the murder-for-hire plot, various administration agencies, including the US State Department, have shown support for the agreement.
US law enforcement claims to have thwarted a conspiracy to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, founder of Sikhs for Justice, on US soil. Charges were filed against an Indian national, along with an alleged Indian government staffer, for conspiring to kill Pannun in June 2023.
Senator Cardin emphasized his support for strengthening bilateral relations with India, contingent upon a partnership based on mutual trust and respect. Advocating for human rights and democratic values globally, he stressed the importance of open discussions about democracy, both domestically and with close allies.
The State Department’s Notification and Congressional Dynamics
The State Department’s notification followed the approval from Chair Cardin and other ranking members of relevant committees in both the Senate and House. The legislative clearance from a bipartisan congressional leadership is the next crucial step.
Senator Ben Cardin leads the Senate committee, with Republican James Risch as the ranking member. In the House Committee, Republican Michael McCaul chairs the committee, and Democrat Gregory Meeks serves as the ranking member.
Biden Administration’s Engagement and Legislative Process
Sources reveal that the Biden administration engaged with all four leaders and their teams, addressing concerns and securing their support. Following this, the State Department formally notified Congress. If no objections are raised within a 30-day period, the deal will be considered to have received legislative clearance.
The MQ-9B – A High-End Asset
The MQ-9B drone is renowned for its endurance (over 35 hours) and high-altitude capability (40,000 feet+). It can carry four Hellfire missiles and 450 kg of other ordnance. The Indian Navy has been operating two of these UAVs on lease from GA, enhancing surveillance capabilities over the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden, effectively monitoring both land and maritime boundaries.