Defence Minister to Strengthen India’s Defence Capabilities with MQ-9 Reaper Drone Deal with US

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his official visit to the United States, the Defence Ministry of India plans to engage in discussions regarding the acquisition of MQ-9 Reaper drones from the US. According to ANI citing defence sources, the matter is slated to be addressed during an upcoming high-level meeting on Thursday. Previously, it was proposed to streamline the procurement of these drones and decrease their quantity from 30 to 18 or fewer.

According to reports, India is anticipated to proceed with its initial proposal of procuring 30 drones, with 10 for each of its three service branches. The Indian Navy, which has been meticulously pursuing the case, is spearheading this acquisition endeavor.

The three aforementioned services have expressed their intentions to acquire similar types of indigenous medium altitude and long endurance drones.

In the meantime, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to embark on a visit to the United States from June 21 to 24, during which he will be hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House. Notably, this visit marks Modi’s inaugural state visit to the United States in the nine years since assuming his position as the prime minister of India.

During his visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make history as he becomes the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Joint Meeting of the US Congress for a second time. The Indian American community has expressed appreciation for the invitation extended to the Prime Minister, as it serves as a testament to the deep-rooted and significant relationship between India and the US. This gesture highlights the shared vision and dedication to global peace and prosperity, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.