| 15 June 2023
In a move that signals a strengthening of defence ties between the United States and India, the Indian Defence Ministry has given its approval for the procurement of 31 MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones made by General Atomics. According to insider sources, the deal is valued at slightly over $3 billion. The ministry's decision comes just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming state visit to the U.S. next week. The announcement of the deal is expected to take place during Modi's meeting with President Joe Biden.
The United States government had previously granted approval for the sale of 30 drones to India over two years ago. However, the Indian Defence Ministry had delayed making a decision on the matter. It was only after the finalization of dates for Modi's visit that the Biden administration began pushing for progress on the deal.
The MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones will primarily be deployed by the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean Region. This move aligns with President Biden's strategy of deepening defence ties with India as a countermeasure against China's increasing dominance in the region. Despite the absence of a formal security alliance between the two countries, Biden has expressed a willingness to collaborate with India on military technology.
The procurement process has now reached the stage of the ministry's "Acceptance of Necessity," marking the initial step toward finalizing the deal. However, clearance from Prime Minister Modi's cabinet is still required before the acquisition can proceed.
The Indian Navy has already been utilizing two MQ-9B unarmed drones on lease for surveillance purposes since November 2020. The acquisition of the armed drones will significantly enhance the Indian Navy's capabilities in the region.
The recent visits of high-ranking U.S. officials to India further highlight the growing importance of the India-U.S. defence partnership. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan recently concluded his two-day visit to New Delhi, where he met with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and Prime Minister Modi. Additionally, American Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin's visit to Delhi earlier provided a boost to India's aspirations of bolstering its domestic arms manufacturing capabilities.
The United States has been actively working to reduce India's reliance on Russian arms, which have been the country's primary source of weaponry for several decades. As part of this effort, the Biden administration is also expected to approve the manufacturing of General Electric's engines in India for the country's domestically produced fighter jets. The official announcement of this initiative is anticipated during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the United States.
With the procurement of the MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones and the potential approval of engine manufacturing, India's defence capabilities are poised to receive a significant boost. This move not only strengthens bilateral ties between India and the United States but also aligns with India's objective of achieving self-sufficiency in defence production. As Prime Minister Modi embarks on his state visit, the world will be watching closely for further developments in this strategic partnership between two global powers.
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