The Biden administration is actively engaged in ongoing discussions regarding the high altitude drone deal announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2023 visit to Washington, as per the U.S. Embassy. Responding to a report linking U.S. lawmakers’ hold on the deal to the Pannun case, the Embassy spokesperson confirmed continued talks with Congress. While not denying the report, the spokesperson highlighted the standard process of engaging foreign affairs committees before formal notification.
The report emerged after senior U.S. State Department officials, including Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu, visited Delhi and urged progress in India’s inquiry into the alleged assassination plot against Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The Pannun case, investigated by the FBI and DEA, resulted in a charge-sheet against Indian national Nikhil Gupta.
In December 2023, U.S. lawmakers criticized India at a Senate hearing on transnational repression, connecting it with Russia, China, and Iran. Concerns were raised over alleged involvement of an Indian official in planning to assassinate a U.S. citizen, leading to proposed legislation like the International Freedom Protection Act. The objection to the MQ-9B high altitude drone deal, estimated at over $3 billion, remains undisclosed, with secrecy surrounding the process.
This deal, a significant high-tech agreement between the two nations, is part of the broader collaboration, including the licensed manufacture of General Electric F-414 jet engines by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. While the engine deal gained U.S. Congressional approval, the MQ-9B deal is still in progress. The finalization of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance, detailing equipment and procurement terms, awaits U.S. Congressional approval, critical for the deal’s conclusion.
The MQ-9B is poised to enhance India’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, working alongside the U.S.-origin P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft, strengthening the Indian Navy’s surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region. Additionally, the MQ-9B deal involves General Atomics establishing a Global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India.
