New Delhi: With the Defence Ministry’s approval for acquiring the Predator (MQ-9 Reaper) drones from US on June 15, it’s almost certain that the Prime Minister Modi’s visit to US next week is going to be eventful. The final decision on the deal would be taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). It is expected that the announcement on the deal will be made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his US visit.
According to the defence sources, “The deal for the Predator drones was given approval by the Defence Acquisition Council meeting today. The acquisition proposal will now have to follow a procedure after which it will have to be cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security.”
In the Defence Ministry, the DAC is the highest body to take decisions on acquisitions. All high value acquisitions are given final approval by the CCS. The Indian Navy is the lead agency for the deal in which 15 drones will be going to the maritime force for surveillance operations in its area of responsibility. The three services also have plans of going in for same type of medium altitude and long endurance drones from indigenous sources.
During his nine-year reign, this will be the first state visit to the US (June 21-24) by Prime Minister Modi, where US President Joe Biden will host him at the White House. He will also become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Joint Meeting of the US Congress for the second time. The invitation sent to Prime Minister to address the US Congress serves as a reminder of the historic significance of the relationship between the US and India, reflecting the shared dream and commitment to global peace and prosperity, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, said Indian Americans.
