US Likely Blocked $3B Drone Sale to India

Reports say the US government has held back delivery of 31 MQ-9A Sea Guardian and Sky Guardian Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV or drones) to India until New Delhi carries out a ‘meaningful investigation’ into the conspiracy to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Washington also held back smaller Indian acquisitions, including a proposal to buy six Boeing P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft. These are to supplement 12 P-8I Poseidon aircraft that the Indian Navy already operates. The Indian Ministry of Defence’s internal approval for the now-stalled drone procurement came in June 2023, a week before Indian PM Narendra Modi’s state visit to Washington. This was also the time when the conspiracy to kill Pannun – allegedly set in motion by an Indian security official, according to a federal indictment made public in November 2023 – shifted to high gear. Pannun is a dual US and Canadian citizen, is based in New York, and is accused of terrorism by India. The prime conspirator in the assassination attempt, Nikhil Gupta, is in jail in Prague and may soon be extradited to the US (SDW Vol. 2 Issue 5, Story 2). The objections were by Senator Ben Cardin, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SDW Vol. 1 Issue 13, Story 2). Following assurance from the administration, the Senator withdrew his objections. On 1 Feb, the US Congress was formally notified of the possible sale of 31 MQ-9B high-altitude long endurance armed UAV to India. A US Embassy spokesperson said, ‘Congress now has 30 days to review the proposed sale. Upon conclusion of the review, India and the United States may conclude the sale with a Letter of Offer and Acceptance.’ Defense officials stated deliveries begin three years from the signing of the contract.