India Okays Move To Buy Armed Drones From US Ahead Of PM's Visit

India will buy 31 armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones made by General Atomics worth slightly over $3 billion

The Defence Ministry has approved the procurement of US-made armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, sources told Reuters today.

India will buy 31 drones made by General Atomics worth slightly over $3 billion, one of the sources said.

The Defence Ministry's initial clearance for the procurement comes just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for a state visit to the US next week.

According to the two sources, the Defence Ministry's top body for capital procurement met today to approve the deal, which is expected to be announced when PM Modi meets US President Joe Biden next week.