Defence Ministry Approves Predator Drone Deal With US

Guwahati: The Union defence ministry approved the deal to purchase Predator (MQ-9 Reaper) drones from the United States of America on Thursday in anticipation of a final decision by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

This occurs as plans are being made for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s imminent trip to the US.

Defence ministry sources were quoted by ANI as saying, “The deal for the Predator drones was given approval by the Defence Acquisition Council meeting today. The acquisition proposal will now have to follow a procedure after which it will have to be cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security.”

It should be mentioned that the highest authority in the defence ministry to make procurement decisions is the DAC. Furthermore, the CSS gives its final approval to all high value purchases.

The contract in which up to 15 drones will be sent to the maritime force for surveillance activities in its domain has been spearheaded by the Indian Navy.

The three services also want to purchase the same kind of medium altitude, long endurance drones from domestic suppliers.

The US President Joe Biden will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House during his visit to the US, which is scheduled to take place from June 21 to June 24.

PM Modi will be making his first state visit to the US on this trip in his nine years as prime minister.

PM Modi will address the Joint Meeting of the US Congress for the second time while he is in the country, making him the first Indian prime minister to do so.

The invitation to PM Modi to address the US Congress, according to Indian Americans, is a reminder of the historical importance of the connection between the US and India, reflecting on the two countries’ shared aspiration and dedication to world peace and prosperity, particularly in the Indo-Pacific area.