The Indian Ministry of Defence has granted approval for the procurement of ‘predator drones’ from the United States, although the final decision on the acquisition will be made by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). This development is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the United States.
Led by BJP leader Rajnath Singh, the Defence Ministry granted its approval for the acquisition of the Predator (MQ-9 Reaper) drones from America on Thursday. The Defence Acquisition Council meeting today approved the deal for the Predator drones. According to officials familiar with the matter in the defence ministry, the acquisition proposal will now undergo a procedure and subsequently require clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security, as reported by news agency ANI.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) serves as the highest authority in the Defence Ministry for making decisions on acquisitions. Final approval for all high-value acquisitions is granted by the CCS.
The Indian Navy will be the primary recipient of the 15 drones included in the deal, which will be utilized for surveillance operations within its designated area of responsibility.
Retired Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, former Indian Navy Vice Chief, expressed the crucial need for this capability within the Indian armed forces, emphasizing the pragmatic decision made by the government in pursuing this acquisition.
Additionally, the three branches of the Indian military have plans to procure similar medium altitude and long endurance drones from indigenous sources.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the US is scheduled from June 21 to 24, during which he will be hosted by US President Joe Biden at the White House. This visit marks PM Modi’s first state visit to the US during his nine-year tenure as prime minister.
During his visit, PM Narendra Modi will become the first Indian prime minister to address the Joint Meeting of the US Congress for the second time. Indian Americans view the invitation extended to PM Modi to address the US Congress as a testament to the historic significance of the US-India relationship and a reflection of their shared aspirations for global peace and prosperity, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
