The deal to buy US Predator (MQ-9 Reaper) drones has been approved by the Defence Ministry on Thursday as part of preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US. However, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) will make the final decision.“The deal for the Predator drones was approved 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,” defence sources said. The Defence Ministrys highest decision-making body for acquisitions is the DAC. The CCS approves all high-value purchases in their entirety.#WATCH via ANI Multimedia | Indias top defence, strategic minds met US counterparts NSA, heads of RAW, NTRO, CDS attend meethttps://t.co/2suLJWpDoy— ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2023 The maritime force will receive 15 drones to conduct surveillance activities inside its jurisdiction, and the Indian Navy is the deals main agency. The three agencies also plan to buy comparable domestically produced medium-altitude, long-endurance drones.From June 21 to June 24, Prime Minister Modi is slated to travel to the US. At the White House, he will be welcomed by US President Joe Biden. This will be Prime Minister Modis first state visit to the US in his nine years as leader. As the first Indian prime minister to address the Joint Meeting of the US Congress twice, PM Modi will make history during his visit.
