Ahead of PM Modi's visit, Defence Ministry to chair MQ-9 Reaper drone deal with US today
2 min read 15 Jun 2023, 10:33 AM ISTOne of the key discussions will revolve around the procurement of MQ-9 Reaper armed drones from the United States.
Premium Prior to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming trip to the United States, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to commence the Defence Acquisition Council meeting today.
As reported by ANI citing defence officials, the meeting will be attended by senior officials from the Defence Ministry and the military. One of the key discussions will revolve around the procurement of MQ-9 Reaper armed drones from the United States.
Additionally, the meeting's agenda also includes deliberations on various indigenous defence deals.
According to defence sources, the acquisition of MQ-9 drones is set to be discussed during an important high-level meeting. Initially, there were plans to reduce the number of drones from 30 to 18 or even fewer, ANI reported.
However, the latest information suggests that India is likely to proceed with the original plan of acquiring 30 drones, with 10 allocated to each of the three services.
The Indian Navy has taken the lead in pursuing the acquisition of these drones and has been actively involved in the case. Additionally, all three services have plans to procure similar types of medium-altitude and long-endurance drones from indigenous sources, indicating a broader commitment to enhancing their drone capabilities.
Earlier in the day, US Representative Richard McCormick underscored the importance of fostering economic, military, and strategic ties between the United States (US) and India. He emphasized that both Democratic and Republican lawmakers should prioritize India as a significant "future partner" in various aspects.
According to media reports, the Biden administration is urging India to address bureaucratic obstacles and advance a long-awaited agreement for the procurement of armed drones made in the United States. This push comes ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Washington.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington, it is anticipated that discussions between Modi and President Joe Biden will encompass the co-production of munitions and ground vehicles, including armoured personnel carriers.
The decision regarding the acquisition of MQ-9 drones rests with the Indian government, and officials from the Biden administration have emphasized the potential advantages of procuring these drones, while acknowledging India's independence in making the final decision.
Experts suggest that President Joe Biden has prioritized strengthening the relationship between the United States and India as a key aspect of his strategy to counter the increasing influence of China. Despite the absence of a formal security alliance, this year has seen particular attention on collaboration between the two largest democracies in the world regarding advanced military technologies.