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The U.S. State Department has expressed optimism regarding the proposed drone deal with India, underscoring its “significant potential” to advance strategic technology cooperation and strengthen military collaboration in the region. The deal, announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit last year, marks substantial growth in the U.S.-India defence partnership over the past decade.
Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, highlighted the importance of the proposed sale in fostering strategic technology cooperation and military collaboration. He stated, “We believe it offers significant potential to further advance strategic technology cooperation with India and military cooperation in the region.”
Miller acknowledged the crucial role of Congress in the arms transfer process, emphasizing routine consultations with members of Congress on foreign affairs committees before formal notifications. While addressing questions about the timing of the formal notification, Miller stated, “Of course, Congress plays an important role in the US arms transfer process. We routinely consult with members of Congress on the foreign affairs committees before our formal notification so we can address questions that they might have.”
The proposed drone deal is part of broader efforts to strengthen defence ties between the United States and India. In June 2023, US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Modi welcomed India’s plans to procure Predator drones made by General Atomics. The agreement includes the assembly of MQ-9Bs in India and the establishment of a comprehensive global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in the country.
The General Atomics MQ-9B High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) UAVs are expected to enhance the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of India’s armed forces. The deal aims to strengthen India’s national security and surveillance capabilities, extending beyond the Indian Ocean to cover the border region with China. The Quad grouping of countries – the United States, India, Australia, and Japan – all operate or have operated the MQ-9B Sea Guardian.
President Biden and Prime Minister Modi also hailed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the manufacture of GE F-414 jet engines in India. The engines will be used for the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Light Combat Aircraft Mk 2, further enhancing defence cooperation between the two nations.