In a twist that caught many by surprise, the US government has pressed pause on the delivery of 31 MQ-9A Sea Guardian and Sky Guardian drones to India. The reason behind this unexpected delay? A call for a "meaningful investigation" into the alleged conspiracy to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistan activist based in New York and accused of terrorism by India. Notably, Pannun holds dual US and Canadian citizenship.
The proposed $3 billion drone purchase includes 15 Sea Guardian drones earmarked for the Indian Navy, while the Indian Air Force and Army were set to receive eight Sky Guardian drones each. The suspension also extends to other smaller Indian acquisitions, including a proposal for six Boeing P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft, meant to complement the existing fleet of 12 P-8I Poseidon aircraft operated by the Indian Navy.
Interestingly, internal approval for this now-stalled drone procurement came from the Indian Ministry of Defence in June 2023, just a week before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Washington. Coincidentally, this was the very timeframe when the alleged conspiracy to assassinate Pannun, orchestrated by an Indian security official referred to as CC1, gained momentum, according to a federal indictment disclosed last November.
Presently, the entire purchase is in limbo within the corridors of the US Congress, fueled by growing resentment over the perceived attempt to assassinate Pannun. A well-placed source in Washington disclosed that US representatives have effectively halted the legislative process required to advance the $3 billion deal. Indian-American lawmakers are expressing deep concerns, especially in light of the indictment of an individual named Nikhil Gupta, formally charged with conspiring to kill Pannun and currently detained in the Czech Republic awaiting deportation to the US.
US federal prosecutors allege that Gupta pledged $100,000 to an FBI agent, masquerading as a hitman, to carry out the assassination in New York. The delay has prompted a joint statement from five US Congress members of Indian origin, urging India to conduct a thorough investigation and hold those responsible, including Indian government officials, accountable. They stress the need for assurances to prevent any recurrence, warning of potential "significant damage" to the US-India partnership.
In response to inquiries about the delayed approvals, the US State Department opted not to comment, citing their policy of not discussing arms sales until formal notification to Congress. As of now, there has been no response from the Indian Navy or India's defence ministry regarding the matter.
Despite the diplomatic tension, Prime Minister Narendra Modi downplays the impact on Indo-US ties. In an interview with the Financial Times, Modi underscores the robust bipartisan support for strengthening the relationship, emphasizing the inappropriateness of linking a few incidents to diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The Poseidon aircraft and Sea Guardian drones, designed to work seamlessly together, play a critical role in surveilling extensive areas of the Indian Ocean. They equip the Indian Navy with an advanced capability to respond swiftly to any attempts to disrupt international trade routes passing through these waters.
Renowned for its versatility, the Sea Guardian drone boasts an endurance of over 27 hours, a speed of 240 knots, and an operating ceiling of 50,000 feet. With a payload capacity of 1,746 kilograms, including 1,361 kilograms of external stores, it stands as a formidable asset. The MQ-9A, currently in operational service with the US military, continues to evolve to meet emerging needs. The MQ-9A Extended Range (ER) version incorporates field-retrofittable capabilities, such as wing-borne fuel pods and a reinforced landing gear, extending its endurance from 27 hours to an impressive 34 hours while enhancing operational flexibility.
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