India, U.S. keen to conclude $3 billion MQ-9B predator drone deal
The Hindu
The MQ-9B predator-armed drones — 10 each for three services — is seen to be a key part of India’s national security and defence needs.
India and the United States are keen for an early conclusion of the 30 MQ-9B predator armed drones deal at a cost of over $3 billion, which will help New Delhi strengthen its overall surveillance apparatus along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the Indian Ocean.
In the works for more than five years, the “ball is now in India’s court”, officials familiar with the development said Wednesday, without explaining further.
The MQ-9B predator-armed drones — 10 each for three services — is seen to be a key part of India’s national security and defence needs.
The officials did not elaborate further but ruled out that there was any bureaucratic hurdle or regulatory issues involved.
“I have to take that back and check on that,” Assistant Secretary of State for Political Military Affairs Jessica Lewis told reporters here when asked for the delay in the deal, which was announced in the summer of 2017.
It has been pending for quite some time now, for reasons not known in the public. However, the issues are believed to have been discussed during the meetings that the visiting National Security Advisor Ajit K Doval has had with top American leadership, including his counterpart Jake Sullivan.
During the meetings, it is believed that both sides expressed their eagerness to see that the drone deal is fast tracked. India is eager that an early decision would help it get an early delivery of MQ-98 predator armed drones that would strengthen its national security and surveillance not only in the Indian Ocean, but also along the LAC.
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