The United States on Thursday greenlit the sale of 31 MQ-9B armed drones to India, at an estimated cost of USD 3.99 billion. This acquisition is set to enhance India's capabilities in addressing present and future threats by facilitating unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in crucial sea lanes of operation.
This approval from the U.S. comes amid some media reports suggesting a temporary hold on the deal due to allegations of an Indian national's involvement in a plot to harm India-designated Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), this proposed sale aligns with the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States and aims to fortify the strategic relationship between the U.S. and India while enhancing the security of India, a vital defense partner crucial for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region.
"The proposed sale will improve India's capability to meet current and future threats by enabling unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation. India has demonstrated a commitment to modernizing its military and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces," emphasized the agency.
The announcement of this significant drone deal took place during the landmark State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2023. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) shared a statement, confirming the approval by the State Department for a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India.
After nearly six years of negotiations, the critical defense deal received its final go-ahead during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the U.S. The government-to-government agreement, totaling $3.99 billion, concludes the purchase of 31 drones intended for use by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
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