Dealing with Uncle Sam

Beyond historical uncertainties, New Delhi's emphasis on 'Make in India' introduces practical challenges in defence partnerships

Last week, President Joe Biden’s administration had to swing into action to persuade a senior United States lawmaker, Senator Ben Cardin, to drop his objections to the sale of armed drones to India. Senator Cardin had placed a “hold” on the supply to India of 31 MQ-9 Predator and Sea Guardian drones until the US government carried out a “meaningful investigation” into an alleged conspiracy by “Indian agencies” to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun — a New York-based Khalistan activist whom New Delhi regards as a terrorist. Although the White House managed to persuade Mr Cardin to revoke his “hold”, thus