Days Before PM Modi's US Visit, 'Predator’ Drone Deal Is Approved By Defence Ministry

NEW DELHI: With just few days left before Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on his first state visit to the United States, India’s Defence Ministry on Thursday put its seal of approval on the deal to acquire the famed 'Predator’ (MQ-9 Reaper) drones from America.

After the approval granted at the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting on Thursday, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) will take the final decision on this important deal to acquire ‘eyes in the sky’ by India, according to reports. The India-US drone deal will enable India to observe its borders with Pakistan and China and even use the Predator drones to strike at targets remotely.

The Predator or MQ-9 Reaper drone has proved its utility for the USA’s forces during its campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The deal for the Predator drones was given approval by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) 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," defence sources were quoted as saying on Thursday.

The DAC is the topmost body in the Defence Ministry mandated to take decisions on defence purchases. The CCS has to give final approval to all high-value defence acquisitions.

Being the lead agency for the India-US drone deal, the Indian Navy will get 15 drones, which will be used by the maritime force to conduct surveillance operations, keeping to its area of responsibility.

The three defence services are also planning to acquire the same kind of drones to operate at medium altitude and with longer endurance, from indigenous sources.

Meanwhile, PM Modi is scheduled to embark on his state visit the US from June 21 to 24. US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host him for a state dinner at the White House. This is Modi's first state visit to the US as India’s Prime Minister during his reign of nine years.

Narendra Modi will also have the honour of addressinbg the Joint Meeting of the US Congress for the second time, becoming the first Indian PM to do so.

The Indian American diaspora said the invitation sent to PM Modi to address the US Congress is considered as a reminder of the historic significance attached to the relationship between India and the US. The two large democracies have a shared dream and are committed to ensure global peace and prosperity, mainly in the Indo-Pacific region.

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