The US State Department expressed strong support for a pending $3 billion sale of advanced drones to India, hailing the agreements potential to advance strategic technological cooperation between the two countries.Spokesperson spotlights arms deal progressState Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted the proposed drone transfer when asked about growing India-US defense ties. He called the accord “significant” for boosting technology collaboration and regional military partnerships.#WATCH | US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller says, Generally, the US-India Defence Partnership has seen significant growth over the past decade. This (Drone deal) is a proposed sale that was announced during Prime Minister Modis visit last year. We believe it offers… pic.twitter.com/DFjx6a4njH— ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2024The deal for 30 MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicles was announced when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Washington last summer, reflecting substantially deepened defense relations over the past decade, Miller noted.So Ill say that generally, the US-India Defence Partnership has seen significant growth over the past decade. This is a proposed sale that was announced during Prime Minister Modis visit last year,” Miller said while addressing media.Congress reviews normal part of arms sale processThe spokesperson further acknowledged Congress plays a key oversight role in major U.S. arms transactions like the drone sale.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,” Miller said.Miller said the administration routinely consults with legislators before formal notifications to address outstanding concerns. But he declined to specify when officials will submit the India drone deal for congressional approval.Drones would enhance Indias ISR capabilities Both President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Modi welcomed plans for India to acquire the advanced MQ-9B HALE UAVs drones built by General Atomics in June 2023.They said the unmanned vehicles, assembled in India, will “enhance the ISR capabilities” of Indias military across land, air, and sea.General Atomics also agreed to establish an India-based comprehensive global MRO facility to service the drones as part of the pending accord.Deal supports national security modernizationExperts say the agreement promises to significantly upgrade Indias intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capacities throughout the Indo-Pacific region.India shares long-disputed borders with archrivals Pakistan and China. The MQ-9Bs extended flight range and monitoring abilities would help New Delhi secure those tense frontiers.The accord also aligns with Indias broader military modernization push aimed at keeping pace with Chinese capabilities.US allies increasingly adopt advanced drones The U.S. and fellow Quad countries have all deployed MQ-9 variants operationally. India is currently leasing drones to meet urgent surveillance demands.The uniquely adaptable Predator series can loiter over locations of interest for up to 36 hours when conditions require persistent eyes in the sky.The Indian agreement includes 31 MQ-9Bs that would conduct joint operations across its army, navy, and air force when delivered.
