US-India drone deal holds “significant potential” for strategic technology cooperation, says US State Department

Feb 01, 2024

Washington, DC (US), Feb 01(ANI): The US State Department expressed optimism about the proposed drone deal with India, emphasising its “significant potential” to advance strategic technology cooperation. Matthew Miller said, “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 Modi's visit last year. We believe it offers significant potential to further advance strategic technology cooperation with India and military cooperation in the region. 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 but I don't have any comment on when that formal notification might take place.” The proposed drone deal is part of the broader efforts to strengthen defence ties between the United States and India. In June 2023, US President Joe Biden and PM Modi welcomed India's plans to procure Predator drones made by General Atomics, a mega pact that will allow American Navy ships to undertake major repairs at Indian shipyards.