US Senate foreign relations committee chairman Ben Cardin on Friday confirmed that he had delayed his approval for the India-US drone deal because of concerns about the alleged plot involving Indian officials to assassinate an American citizen on US soil. While I’m fully aware of the significance of this sale for US national security and strategic interests, I have consistently conveyed my concerns regarding the timing of this sale to administration officials in light of the alleged murder-for-hire plot involving Indian officials to attempt to assassinate an American citizen on US soil. In his statement, Cardin also made it clear that he would continue to raise human rights issues with India. “I support deepening our bilateral relationship with India as long as that partnership is based on mutual trust and respect,” he said. Progress on these issues requires difficult discussions about our own democracy, as well as discussions with our closest allies and friends.

Source: The Telegraph February 04, 2024 05:31 UTC