US government clears sale of Predator Guardian drones to India

The government of the United States of America finally cleared the sale of Predator Guardian drones to India as the chiefs of both the nations pledged to deepen their security and defence operations.

The joint statement issued after the talks between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the two countries are keenly looking forward to working together on advanced defence equipment and technology.

According to a report by News18, the joint statement said,

Reflecting the partnership, the United States has offered for India's consideration the sale of Sea Guardian unmanned aerial systems, which would enhance India's capabilities and promote shared security interests.

According to IANS, Modi said,

Peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region are the main aims of our strategic cooperation. The increase of possibilities in the region and securing our strategic interests from emerging challenges will guide the parameters of our cooperation. We will continue to work with the US on this. The bilateral defence, technology, trade, and manufacturing partnership will be mutually beneficial.

According to reports, the US had cleared the sale of 22 American-made Guardian surveillance drones for India a few days prior to the PM's visit. This deal is supposedly estimated to be worth $2–3 billion. These drones can be used for wide-area, long-endurance maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

The United States also expressed strong support for India's early membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the Australia Group along with reaffirming its support for India's permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council.

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