India-US Drone Deal: Deal for 31 Predator drones worth three billion dollars, US Parliament’s swagger loosened after all-round controversy

The US State Department has informed Predator drone manufacturer General Atomics that the US Congress has today approved a ‘tiered review’ of the sale of 31 MQ9B drones to India and the official congressional notification will be submitted within 24 hours. The drone manufacturer has also informed the highest levels of the Modi government, including the National Security Establishment. While the Narendra Modi government has remained tight-lipped on the entire deal, sources in Washington have confirmed that the notification for the sale of 31 MQ (B Predator armed drones) to India will be issued today. While the Indian Navy will get 15 out of the 31 drones, the Indian Army and Indian Air Force will get eight high altitude long endurance drones each from the US.

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller is on record saying that in general, the US-India defense partnership has seen significant growth over the past decade. The drone deal is a proposed sale that was announced during Prime Minister Modi’s visit last year. We believe this offers significant potential to advance strategic technology cooperation with India and military cooperation in the region. Congress plays an important role in the US arms transfer process. We consult regularly with Members of Congress on foreign affairs committees in advance of our formal notification, so that we can address their questions.

It is understood that the GE-414 engine deal with America is also on track and the CEO of the company has informed the top level of the Modi government about this. Both the drone and aircraft engine deals are being handled by the two national security advisors of India and the US. The Indian Navy already operates two unarmed Predator drones, which are on lease from the US, from Rajali air base in Tamil Nadu. Both drones have taken Indian maritime domain awareness to a different level as the Indian Navy fights both Houthi missiles and Somali pirates in the Red Sea.